The exceptional display by Tampa Bay Lightning during the fifth matchup conveyed a clear message about their determination to advance at any cost. They validated this ambition by scoring 8 unanswered goals and overwhelming the New York Islanders in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup semifinals, securing a 3-2 series lead as the action shifts back to the Big Apple for Game 6. Right from the start, it was a challenging journey for the visiting team as Steven Stamkos found the back of the net within the opening minute.
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Yanni Gourde extended the lead with a second goal nearly ten minutes later, and Alex Killorn added another before the first period concluded, virtually sealing the victory. The situation deteriorated further as three more goals poured in during the second period. Stamkos netted his second on a power play, Killorn replicated the feat, and Ondrej Palat contributed one in between. Brayden Point contributed in the third period with a power-play goal, and Luke Schenn completed the scoring. The Islanders struggled, being outshot 42-21, while Andrei Vasilevskiy secured a shutout. Tampa Bay’s eight-goal haul marked the highest tally since their 8-1 victory over the Islanders in 2019, positioning them one win away from advancing to the Finals.
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