Andrei Vasilevskiy made 35 saves and Ondrej Palat scored the game-winning goal to help the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 win against the Colorado Avalanche and force a Game 6 in the Stanley Cup Final.
I have no dog in this fight, which is why I was glad Tampa won. Hopefully it goes 7, at which point I don't care who wins, just glad to see two wonderful teams put on a show.
Palat scores these Game-changing goals. His 11 goals in the playoffs were mostly late 3rd period goals. This shows how Palat never stops trying and I’ll be shame when he’s not in the lightning roster next year.
Well it's not set in stone that he will change the team, but he deserves much more money that Tampa can pay that's true, BUT, so is the most lightnings players, even the stars are playing for like 70% of what they should get, so we'll see
@@alexkorneev6469 6 mil is def nothing to sneeze at, if he re-signs - Hedman is getting just over 7 mil - a few more dollars but less happy ... tough call - Palat is a core Bolt as well
@@mattoiler9714 How in the HELL are you losers going to sign ANYONE?? Your little bit of cap is going to be used to throw mostly at Kane and the rest of the crumbs will be thrown at booger boii to try and persuade him to stay
im from slovakia. the only slovak player is cernak there. i just still think tampa doesnt deserve to win this season. just dont. best teams this season were colorado florida edmonton and toronto. tampa has the "czech luck" this season.
@@romanstejzi3636 Yes, I was pretty appalled that the Cats got eliminated! They were doing so great the whole season - better than the Bolts for sure! But, you know, this is just how it is in the playoffs. We’ll see what the next game brings us…
@@snakeeyes9246 You think? Should the bolts win, Kucherov will probably have 30 points, leading the team in offense by far for the third year in a row, and still no conn smythe's.
@Ryan 🫥 Tampa is certainly a modern day dynasty. I'm think the torch is going to be passed on to the avs now. They're stacked and have looked like the much better team for most of the series.
It's been 40 years since the NY Islanders 3-peat (extending to 4 straight Cups in '83), which serves as proof of the great difficulty of achieving the same feat in the Cap era= For the life of me, I can't understand why so many want the Bolts to fail at making history... Folks, if not now, you'll never see anything more than Back2Back, EVER ~ LET'S GO BOLTS!!! DESTINY AWAITS YOU!!! ⚡🏆⚡🏆⚡🏆
One of my all time favorite playoff games was Game 7 ECF Boston/Tampa Bay 2011. That was incredible hockey! Bruins 1 Tampa Bay 0 and there wasn't a single penalty in the entire game! This has been a wild Final for sure.
@@guillaumemillette2879 That wasn’t on Vasilevskiy, Tampa played a terrible game and essentially were helping Colorado score on him. It’s a different series now
Tampa bay played textbook hockey. Completely stifled Colorado's offensive power, yet Stammer, Kutcherov and Palat showed up. I really wouldn't be surprised if Tampa wins it all.
My dear fans of any other nhl team. Are you upset? We don't care. You wanted Colorado to finish the finals here? We don't care. You want this team to lose? We don't care. Until the end of the world: LET'S GO LIGHTNING!
As the Leafs and Rangers can attest to, getting the Lighting on the ropes and knocking them out is two entirely different things. Av's obviously are a cut above those clubs and them some but still, what a tough out Tampa is.
Tampa has the heart of champion, and the fact that it was the MacKinnon's line and Makar and Toews on the ice for the Tampa's winning goal is even sweeter ;)
"Heart of a Champ" was invented by my main mate, Rudy Tomjanovich (tom-yawn-oh-vich) in 1995, when the Houston Rockets won back-to-back titles. He said: "I have one thing to say to them non-believers: don't ever underestimate the heart of a winner!"
Growing up, it was always pond hockey. You couldn't wait for the temperature to fall. You were glued to the weather reports. You were crestfallen when it was not yet cold enough. You were exhilarated when it was. Then you gingerly tested the thickness of the ice; breathlessly hoping not to hear the cracks. Then it was solid and you could skate with impunity. Then it would snow and you had to get out there and shovel all the snow off and you did it with a smile in your heart. This finals brings a smile to my heart.
Tampa Bay’s experience triumphed tonight as the Colorado Avalanche let their emotions get the best of them. They have once again lost focus on their process. Stupid undisciplined mistakes cost them the game. This loss is not on Kuemper because Colorado was PUCK WATCHING AGAIN. JT Compher has absolutely no reason to take a careless penalty on Killorn when the Avs were in the middle of a delayed penalty against the Bolts. I am very disappointed in him because he is being very lazy defensively and disappeared offensively in this series. With the exception of major misconducts, Compher leads the Avs in minor penalty minutes in this series. He has taken at least one penalty in 3 of the last 4 games. Offensively, he has one measly assist. He needs to get it together now. I am not surprised that the refs called the Too many men on the ice penalty against Colorado. This is a bad habit that has been an issue this whole season. Soon or later, it was going to come back to haunt them and it came at the worst possible time. Tampa came prepared while the Avs were a step behind all the way. This includes the PP, PK and 5 on 5s. The bottom six got outplayed tonight and their inconsistent play is very worrisome. The absence of Burakovsky is becoming very noticeable. We can only hope he can play in game 6. As to my earlier statement on puck watching, that one is on Makar. Nichushkin was already covering Hedman and for some stupid reason, Makar thought it was a smart idea to double team the Norris trophy candidate and ditch number 18. This gave Hedman the opportunity to pass the puck to a wide open Palat for the game winning goal. The 2022 Norris trophy winner made a crucial mistake. This loss was on him Experience triumphed emotions. They betrayed the process. These are painful lessons that the Avs will have to learn as they head back to Tampa on Sunday.
Wow-excellent observations and evaluations of individual players and overall team. I am cheering for the Lightning… and often feel if Colorado plays focused and disciplined hockey-they are a better team than Tampa… if I am Colorado -you need to focus and look to win game six… Tampa is like that Michael Myers type villain-have to kill them when you can… Vasaleskiy is looking more and more comfortable as series continues… and if Lightning can win game 6… would say Colorado could feel pressure in game seven…
I agree with you on most parts. Maker definitely didn’t play like a Norris winner tonight but I think this loss is mostly on Kuemper and the crowd. You cannot at ANY level let a slap shot from the top of the red line go in. The crowd got into their heads as well. Just a sloppy game
Thank you for not blaming the refs like I’ve seen other fans do (so like most fanbases). I thought both teams were good today but I agree the aves weren’t as prepared as the lightning. Best of luck game 6. It’s been a great finals. Let’s go bolts!
@@kevinb2844 Makar got too aggressive offensively tonight. This includes how he tried to pull a McDavid during the powerplay by going head first alone with 4 bolts covering the zone. He never does that....ever. He was not playing his game.
@@bodhithomas5684 I have commented on every single Avs game this season. I applaud them when they do good and I rip them when they are performing horribly. I also give the opponents credit when it is due. I may be an Avs fan, but I refuse to be clouded by bias and fandom when it involves analyzing the game
@@petrpumpkineater Cry me a river. Missed calls are missed calls. God know they have missed plenty on both sides. I'd say show some class, but most of the Avs fans I have seen are worst then the Isles fans.
@@davidchidlow1431 There's the Great Moments speech by Herb Brooks and then there's the Heartbreak speech by weasel John Cooper. Imagine having that amoeba coaching your team...
@@davidchidlow1431 To be a Tampa fan, I'm pretty sure you have to give yourself a concussion and then you're in the right mindset to cheer for them, lol. What a bunch of clowns.
@@johnnybaxter1953 kucherov and vasilevskiy are both Russians. Sergachev as well I believe. I see tons Russian lads and lasses commenting in favor of the bolts. Makes me happy to see tbh
@@johnnybaxter1953 yeah, at first cuz of Kuch and Vasy (Sergachev as well, you were right - the guy comment just after you) But then we have to admire and love The Stammer, Point(so shame he was injured, desperately needed his creativity and the speed) Palat, Hedman etc.... And now I can't say I will cheering for Tampa cuz of the russian players, but cuz of the entire team and fan base and the city as well! Well Go Bolts!!!! ⚡⚡⚡ 🏆🏆🏆
Some unique possibilities if Tampa wins or loses. If they win, Maroon wins 4 straight cups!!!! If they lose, Perry loses in the finals 3 years in a row!! Crazy!!
I like the confidence, but this series is by no means over. We are still trailing 3-2, BUT we are going back to TB for game 6. If we win this game at home, then that could be a very telling sign of the direction the momentum is shifting. 1 game at a time, this has been a great series
I would say it’s too early to say. Colorado can very well comeback as they did in game 4. If Colorado played like they did on game 4 then I would say they have a good chance. Just get shots and don’t be lazy and Colorado will win. GO AVS!!!!!
Thank you so much for the play by play. I’m not into hockey that much but I have to root for my team the Avs so thanks I had a great time watching this.
The last team that took two games off the Avs lost their goalie to an injury the very next game in the 1st period. So don't be surprised if they injure their 3rd goalie these playoffs.
Win or lose next game, Tampa got some respect back tonight. Avs fans have been reminded why the Bolts are back to back Stanley Cup Champions. They will not quit.
Colorado is greater than Toronto but Toronto is a great team aswell Tampa Bay might win Game 6 mybe but Colorado is not losing 3 games in a row I doubt it they & won't lose 2 home games in a row..The only way Tampa wins game 7 is if they get lucky Colorado just need to play like they did in game 2 or almost as great if that happens Tampa has very little to no chance in winning game 7
Avs missed their chance to seal the deal at home = Bolts are on track to make Stanley Cup History = It's been 40 years since the NY Islanders 3-peat (extending to 4 straight Cups in '83)... LET'S GO BOLTS!!! HISTORIC DESTINY AWAITS YOU!!! ⚡🏆⚡🏆⚡🏆
@@stevegeorge5702 Im sick of this lightning team getting the calls and being rewarded for crying. How coincidental a too many men on the ice call in the last few minutes of the game. Vaisilesky knocking his own helmet off after getting hit with the puck. Thats always been called penalty but not for him. The NHL wanting this series to continue and generate more money and Tampa win is getting ridiculous.
They arrogantly thought it was a crowning game, just show up, stick five on Tampa, dress up, celebrate wildly before a puck is struck, and then reality bit their arses.
Честно говоря, первая пятёрка Тампы чертовски хороша, но она не может тащить все на себе! Колорадо, как мне кажется больше заслуживал победы, но Василевский просто закрыл в этом матче кубок для Колорадо! Будем надеяться, что служебный матч будет настолько же прекрасен как этот!!!!
Очень хорошо, что вся команда помогла Коту, шайбы действительно похожи, что мог Кот сыграть надёжнее, но сколько он выручил сегодня! Тампа, на мой взгляд очень командная команда, извините за "масло масляное") тем и сильна! Надеюсь на победу Тампы, хотя и жуки сильны!
as a Tampa fan, I agree. Nothing to be ashamed about to go down in game 7; for either team. This series has already been so crazy, so entertaining to watch. Best of luck to both teams
Same. I've been dreaming of a Colorado win in game 7 OT, and the more I think about it, the less I'm willing to settle for anything less. Seems like a realistic possibility now...
I think as the series goes on Tampa may have an advantage. Colorado relies more on their top 2 lines and top D pair. Tampa can roll 4 lines and 2 D pairs. Colorado has been pretty fresh all playoffs but if it gets to 7 their big guys could be a little gassed. We definitely need Point back though. His speed is really missing.
@@bjornesmagasin5384 "Tampa have only one injured player" Yes, just one simple guy, Brayden Point. Only the top player in the NHL playoffs TWO YEARS IN A ROW! LOL!
As a Tampa fan, I'd love to see this go to game 7 not only because that means we get a chance to win it, but even if we lose, a game 7 finish makes the series that much more entertaining.
@@sirfluffycnut If it is 3:3, let the Freddie Mercury song "The Show Must Go On" sound after the match. It will be a huge tragedy for the Colorado Avalanche and the club's fans if the team loses.
Great game. What a game! Wow! So intense. Bolts showed me something tonight. Played with courage and guts. Avs fans need to calm down as it was 2-2 .They were soo excited and noisy you would think they were up 5-2. It was so loud in there that I was amazed players heard one another. Avs are a young inexperienced team with enormous talent but are playing a Lightning team that are extremely talented, fought hard, showed resilience and patience with all that noise, plus are back to back champions who know how to win under adversity and pressure. Also AVS need to learn that too many men is a penalty and off sides is offsides. It will be interesting in game 6.
@@itsallovernow2929 that’s not what I was driving at . You miss understood. I thought the fans were acting prematurely in the mist of excitement when they never lead the game. If they got the lead then fine. I am okay with being overly optimistic and excited.
@@charleskletter8974 I get it. My friends and I were wondering the same thing lol. I guess TB fans are more tempered. I mean we get like the Avs fans... standing, raucous, chanting. But that's usually the last 5 minutes with a lead. Those fans were standing since the 15 minute mark with a tie game lol. Not hating, just not used to that.
It also doesn’t help when MacKinnon is a ghost all night, Rantanen: non-existent, ZERO blue line defence, Kuemper is letting in WAY too many soft goals. Not even an Avs fan but I'd want him off the team immediately before next season. Not to mention, for some reason every equalizer goal they got lazy and held on to zero momentum. TF is up with that? Looking like a big time game 7 Incoming.
Tampa was the only team that even competed with the Avs that playoffs. This was such a great series and other than the 7-0 shellacking in Game 2, it was a pretty even series the whole way.
@@louieflash7190 You’re right, but that’s still no excuse for not putting any offensive pressure in overtime, they have more than enough ability to do so but they just weren’t doing anything
@@itsallovernow2929 Tampa's players were within 5 ft of the bench during the change as per the rules and the Avs both players were at center ice as the sub player skated to the bench. Not the same. BTW the Avs got caught doing the same thing last night with 3 minutes left in the game.
When players like Landeskog, Rantanen an Lehkonen has a total of two goals during the whole game it's hard to win. Having a goalie giving up soft goals makes it even harder...
I love just watching Corey Perry at 4:15 during the 4 on 3 he’s a former cup winner, Hart winner and 50 goal scorer but at this point in his career he knows his role living in front of the net and completely blocked off Kuemper on that Kuch one timer. As a bolts fan I hated his guts on Dallas and Montreal but man that sequence was awesome
Bolts are on track to make Stanley Cup Magic happen!! It's been 40 years since the NY Islanders 3-peat (extending to 4 straight Cups in '83)... LET'S GO BOLTS!!! HISTORIC DESTINY AWAITS YOU!!! ⚡🏆⚡🏆⚡🏆
@@jamesbuscarini Didn't say they didn't count, I said they *barely* count. Of course the reason is playoff re-structuring. Doesn't matter which team won them, both of those cups will always have an asterisk beside them. Nothing against Tampa...just unfortunate that their success came out of that time. If they won THIS year, however, it would certainly be legit as could be.
@@ThisHandleFeatureIsStupid they most certainly count, the first year was a suspended season that resulted in a round robin that gave a higher level playoff field than normal, the second year was just a delayed start but still had the same requirement of winning 16 games to win it all. I am not sure what you're getting at...they made the cup finals in 2015 and lost to a more seasoned blackhawks team, they won the presidents trophy in 2018-2019 season, lost conference finals to pittsburgh in 2016 and washington in 2018. They have been one of the best teams of the decade in terms of wins and playoff depth
This is exactly what I’ve been saying. I have no idea how people have Tampas chances so dramatically far out. 3/5 games were won in ONE GOAL, two were tied pushing sudden death. People are holding on to Avs’ speed in their single dominant game and applying that to 4 other games where Tampa has them answered. You’re not watching objectively if you think Avs’ have Tampa smoked. BTW tonight is 3-1 Tampa if Cernak doesn’t score on himself. This is important, not to rob Avs of numbers but to objectively count how many times Avs ACTUALLY score on Tampa at their own will.
Тяжеловато двигались они. Усталость и травмы дают знать. Только за счет мастерства и лучшего понимания игры аытаскивают пока. Колорадам надо отдать все в одном матче, взвинтить темп по максимуму, накидать если повезет, две три шабы и дотерпеть.
@@zhannafrolov1217 три года из пяти в этой игре забили русские , две Нечушкин он с Челябинска и одну Кучеров , так что тебе тут не нравится ?))) Если что Нечушкин мой земляк )))
a one timer for the W, heading back to tampa, step 1 is down. step 2 is easier, force a game 7...I think we are going to see a great game 6 and if TB can hold home ice, it's a coin flip in a game 7.
@@MrJohnnyDistortion They have 2 cups, the Avs dont. Im not an Avs fan bur it gets boring watching the same team win it year after year. Even 2 in 3 years is boring. They also didnt deserve it last year but neither did Montreal.
They might win Game 6 mybe🤔 but they're not beating the Aves 3 times in a row in game 7 if there is one is Colorados game just like Tampa won't lose 4 out of 5 games & Colorado won't lose 2 home games in a row Tampa Bay is definitely a medium long shot to win it cause both these teams are to good to lose 3 in row in the playoffs
@@chrisruth7057 I could be wrong...but i do really feel they will beat colorado straight 3 games and win the stanley cup this year...and i'm not even suprise they will win next 3 seasons ,unless if you traded half of these veteran players out fo the team...probably they will stop to win the cup...Jon Cooper knows how to manage this team...just my thought.....
@@Faiz_1982 I doubt it Colorado is a bit greater team than Tampa Bay Colorado will be extremely pumped up in game 7 & if they play like they did in game 2 or almost as great Tampa has very little to no chance but game 6 will be interesting forsure Tampa mybe wins Game 6
@@Faiz_1982 The only way Tampa wins Game 7 is if they get lucky or Colorado doesn't play there best but if they play like they did in game 2 Tampa is toast
