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Lightning rolls over Wings, evens series at 1 (with video)

 
Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) beats Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek (34) during the second period. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]
Lightning center Tyler Johnson (9) beats Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek (34) during the second period. [DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times]
Published April 19, 2015

TAMPA — Captain Steven Stamkos wouldn't go as far as to call Saturday a "must-win" game.

But you could tell from the start of Tampa Bay's 5-1 win over the Red Wings in Game 2 how much the Lightning felt it needed this one, tying the best-of-seven first-round playoff series at 1.

With the sting of last year's first-round sweep by the Canadiens still fresh in its psyche, the Lightning couldn't afford a here-we-go-again moment.

"We were desperate right away," center Tyler Johnson said.

Said Stamkos: "We've got a series now."

There was the battle royal three minutes into the game, a large scrum in front of Tampa Bay's bench. It included Stamkos wrestling Detroit defenseman Kyle Quincey down in a headlock, a move that sparked rumors Stamkos bit Quincey. "That was a good vice grip," Stamkos said.

Much like Stamkos' fight with Boston's Brad Marchand in a March 22 game, it galvanized the team — and a sellout crowd of 19,204 at Amalie Arena. Johnson scored a power-play goal 28 seconds later for a 1-0 lead.

" 'Stammer' is not really a scrapper," said Johnson, who had two goals. "So when you see him all into it, that says a lot."

The Lightning didn't dominate as much as it did in Thursday's 3-2 loss, in which it outshot Detroit 46-14. The Red Wings played a more even game in getting outshot 30-24. "That wasn't a 5-1 game," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said.

Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg thought his team was quicker. But the Lightning was hungrier, especially around the net. Tampa Bay put more traffic in front of Detroit rookie goaltender Petr Mrazek, who was pulled for Jimmy Howard after allowing four goals on 18 shots in two periods, a far cry from his 44-save performance in Game 1. Three Lightning goals in the second put this one away.

Center Alex Killorn put in his own rebound on a great second effort eight minutes in for a 2-0 lead. Defenseman Andrej Sustr pinched into the high slot and finished a spectacular pass from Valtteri Filppula for the second goal of his NHL career at 14:48 for a 3-0 lead.

"We were angry down there," Cooper said. "We were pretty physical. You see our bench get a little bit taller when those guys are battling the way they are."

Goalie Ben Bishop also stood tall with 23 saves. Saying he was more comfortable than he was in his playoff debut Thursday — when he gave up three goals on 14 shots — Bishop delivered a strong bounce-back performance.

"He made some saves early on their power plays," wing Ryan Callahan said. "If he doesn't do that, it could be a different game."

The Lightning's power play, 0-for-7 Thursday, came to life, going 2-for-4 because of better movement and a slightly new look. "Sometimes it can take a life of its own when you're not scoring on it," Callahan said. "So to get that early one calmed everybody down."

The Lightning had remained calm after Thursday's loss, exuding a quiet confidence that if it kept playing the same way, it would turn the tide. For many — including Cooper, Bishop and Johnson — this was their first playoff win, a weight off their shoulders. But as the scene shifts to Detroit for the next two games, Stamkos said the Lightning has to prove it can do it on the road.

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"We knew this was going to be a long series," he said. "Nobody expected it to be quick. But we've got some work to do ahead of ourselves."

Lightning 1 3 1 5
Red Wings 0 0 1 1

First1, TB, Johnson 1 (Nesterov, Kucherov), 3:05 (pp). PenaltiesBoyle, TB (elbow), :31; Quincey, Det, double minor (rough), 2:37; DeKeyser, Det (rough), 2:37; Boyle, TB (rough), 2:37; Stamkos, TB (rough), 2:37; Sustr, TB (hold), 3:40; Zidlicky, Det (hook), 11:08.

Second2, TB, Killorn 1 (R.Callahan, Stamkos), 7:56. 3, TB, Sustr 1 (Filppula, Namestnikov), 14:48. 4, TB, Johnson 2 (Hedman), 19:22. PenaltiesStralman, TB (trip), 2:14; Morrow, TB (cross-check), 9:37.

Third5, Det, Tatar 1 (Quincey, Nyquist), 5:49. 6, TB, Filppula 1 (Stamkos, Nesterov), 15:26 (pp). PenaltiesGlendening, Det (interference), 9:35; Nyquist, Det (hook), 14:00. SOGDet 6-12-6—24. TB 7-11-12—30. PP oppsDet 0 of 4; TB 2 of 4. GoaliesDet, Mrazek 1-1-0 (18 shots-14 saves), Howard (0:00 third, 12-11). TB, Bishop 1-1-0 (24-23).