Talk about an exciting – if disappointing – game. The Lightning refused to go down without a fight, but after 83 minutes of gameplay, Pittsburgh’s James Neal took an awkward shot from near the wall and snuck the puck past Dwayne Roloson’s shoulder. His goal sealed an overtime victory for the Penguins, putting them ahead in this playoff series 3-1.
Tampa Bay started off the game slow, falling behind in the first period 1-0. They looked like they were playing the game half asleep, and they allowed another goal early in the second period, but things picked up for them shortly thereafter when Martin St. Louis sunk a low wrist shot for the Bolts’ first goal of the game. Sean Bergenheim then scored the Bolt’s second goal in the third period with only 3:17 left in the game, sending the Penguins and Lightning into overtime. And after a scoreless first overtime, James Neal sunk his shot for the Penguins and the game was over.
The Penguins out-shot the Lightning by a considerable margin over the course of the game, 53-31. Dwayne Roloson was the real MVP for the game for the Lightning, saving 50 shots and keeping the Lightning in the game despite their poor shot differential.
Game 5 in the series will be played midday on Saturday in Pittsburgh. If the Lightning lose, they will be eliminated from the playoffs and the Penguins will move on to the second round.
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