Russia’s Nikita Kucherov scored in overtime to give the Tampa Bay Lightning a 6-5 victory over the New York Rangers on Wednesday, taking a 2-1 lead in their NHL Eastern Conference finals series.
Ondrej Palat had two goals and an assist, while Tyler Johnson, Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn each had one goal and an assist for the Lightning.
The 21-year-old Kucherov, part of the high-scoring “Triplets” line that is leading Tampa Bay’s playoff run, scored his second overtime winner of this post-season.
Photo: AP
Linemate Ondrej Palat had two goals and an assist, and Tyler Johnson — the other triplet — had his playoff-leading 12th goal, as well as an assist.
“They’ve impressed me for a long time, and now they’re impressing the world,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “It’s fun to watch.”
Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn each had one goal and an assist for Tampa Bay. The Lightning overcame an early 2-0 deficit and won despite also squandering a two-goal lead to the resilient Rangers.
The winner came about a minute after New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist made a terrific stop on J.T. Brown’s breakaway.
New York had tied it 5-5 on Dan Boyle’s rebound with 1 minute, 56 seconds left in regulation. Jesper Fast scored twice, and the Rangers also got power-play goals from Derick Brassard and Ryan McDonagh.
“It was deflating, but at the same time ... we felt like we deserved the game,” Johnson said about losing the lead late in regulation.
“We worked hard and were happy with the way we played,” added Johnson, whose hat-trick keyed the Lightning’s 6-2 road victory in Game 2. “We knew if we just kept on playing, played our game, we were going to get a bounce. Luckily for us, we got that bounce before them.”
The Rangers came back after trailing 4-2, with Fast scoring his second goal late in the second period and McDonagh converting a power-play opportunity early in the third.
“We’ve got a pretty quick team and they have a quick team,” Cooper said. “It’s just, pardon the pun, it’s lightning fast. It’s just amazing how the skill level and the speed and how these guys can play the way they do at that high pace.”
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely