The Lightning lost this game, but not because of goaltending.

In fact, throughout this game there was a battle of goaltending. It was for that reason that nobody scored until the dying seconds of the second period. This showcases the near future of NHL goaltending – both Murray and Vas will be stars in this league. There will be kids who model their games on these two. This was displayed until a rebound from Carl Hagelin beat Vas. That was not because of Vas – he had just made the save on a quick shot from Phil Kessel – this was on the defense not having his back, and that would continue for the rest of the game. 

The Penguins, on the other end of the ice, were putting themselves on the line. The Penguins defense literally had Matt Murray’s back on a shot that leaked through his block, and Kris Letang knelt down and stopped the puck himself.

That would also continue.

The Pittsburgh Penguins beat Vas because the defense was unable, for the second game in a row, to slow the line of Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel. The defense allowed 48 shots to hit the pads of Vas. He didn’t even stand a chance against the pure and constant cover fire the Penguins launched against him, and the defense was unable to stay in front of the puck, and on one goal failed to even clear the zone.

The Penguins had no such problem. Their defense stood their ground. Their centers won faceoffs. Throughout the game, the Penguins played much more disciplined hockey, and only allowed one man advantage to the Lightning. They denied the Lightning the net on that chance. They found the net on one of their chances – that was the difference.

Sidney Crosby has found his scoring groove in this series, and that’s something the Lightning will need to end if they expect to win this series, or even win another game.

If they fail to slow down the HBK line as well, it’s quickly over. It’s what ended the Capitals.

Expect the Lightning to bounce back. Expect Stamkos and Bishop to be back. Lightning now need all hands on deck or this could turn into the CApitals series.

Momentum is a wonderful thing. The Penguins know this. Now they have it. Can they use it.