3. FINISHING STRONG
The Lightning headed into the third period with a 2-0 lead thanks to Stamkos' goal in the first period and Alex Killorn's backhand rebound marker in the second.
The Bolts expected a push from the Panthers to start the third. And with the Lightning playing the second half of a back-to-back set, there was a question of whether the Bolts would have enough left in the tank to see the win over the finish line.
But an interesting thing happened.
The Lightning got stronger as the game progressed
And over much of the third, particularly the first half of the third, they controlled the puck and the game.
"We had success in the first and second periods, especially the second, and we didn't want to, we just couldn't change our game," Cooper said. "The one thing is when you sit there and say, 'Well, let's just protect the lead,' well that's what you want to do but we still want to have kind of that attack mentality. But the guys were really committed. In the last few games, the guys have been committed, it's just been tough because we haven't been getting some points we felt we should have. We definitely felt we should get points tonight, the key was to make sure we were greedy and got two and not give up one and that's what happened tonight."
Even when Florida would make a small push by getting the puck in the offensive zone and holding it there for an attempt or two, the Lightning were quick to get it out and counter with an attack of their own. The Bolts outshot the Panthers 16-6 in the third period. They had numerous chances to add to their lead, notably Killorn ringing the post on a quick shot from a face-off. But the Bolts were measured in their attempts to go for goal too. They protected their net first and foremost and countered when the opportunity was there.
"That was the one thing that was making me a little nervous, we couldn't get that third one," Cooper said. "We had all these chances. Tip your hat to their goaltender, he was outstanding. You get that third one and you might be able to breathe a little easier, but the boys did a great job and held on."
Despite controlling play, the Lightning nearly gave up a goal with 8:51 to go, Brett Connolly creating a wicked change of direction with a tip from the slot. But after video review, Connolly was deemed to have contacted the puck with a high stick.
Florida never sniffed the net again until the waning minutes with Bobrovsky pulled for the extra attacker, the Lightning ensuring they would take home both points and leave the Panthers with none.