It sure looked like the Pittsburgh Penguins were going to run away with the first period of Game 2, if not the entire contest.
The Pens came out roaring, creating all sorts of chances while Phil Kessel and Matt Cullen put them up 2-0 against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Bolts responded to this challenge as they’ve done frequently in 2015-16.
In two different cases, players made amends for previous mistakes to tie Game 2 up 2-2 for the Lightning.
Anton Stralman scored in his first game back since March after being on the ice for a Penguins goal.
Stralman returns with a goal and the @tblightning now trail 2-1. #StanleyCup https://t.co/68O9qJwrH1
— NBC Sports Bet (@NBCSportsBet) May 17, 2016
Moments later, Jonathan Drouin rebounded from taking a penalty to score a pretty 2-2 tally.
I thought Vasilevskiy was good in first period. Kept Lightning deficit from being worse than it was. Gave team chance to come back.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) May 17, 2016
The big question is: can the Penguins shake off their mistakes after seeing the Lightning shrug off their own? Buckle up for the remainder of Game 2.
Stats after 1st #TBLvsPIT:
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) May 17, 2016
Shots - Pens 14-8
Hits - Pens 18-13
Faceoff wins - Pens 10-8
Blocked shots - Bolts 5-3
Takeaways - Bolts 2-1
So, #TBLightning win the period 2-2?
— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) May 17, 2016