Tampa Bay Lightning: Reliving The Top 5 Moments Of 2016
By Will Clewis
4. Lightning Complete The “Reverse Sweep” Of The Islanders
The 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs were a roller coaster for the Tampa Bay Lightning, and each round had its memorable moments that we still bring up today. In particular, the second round against the New York Islanders was memorable, as the Lightning came back from a 1-0 deficit in the series, after losing game one at home, and won the next four games to move on.
It seemed like the Lightning was outplayed in nearly every game except game five, but the team found a way to get it done. Tampa Bay won both games on the road at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, both of which ended in overtime. Not to forget, the Bolts were without two of their top players in captain Steven Stamkos and defenseman Anton Stralman during the entire series.
In Game 3 in Brooklyn, forward Brian Boyle was the overtime hero, and he won the game in the extra period to give the Lightning a 5-4 victory and a 2-1 series lead.
The next game of the series also went into OT, and with the game tied at 1-1, an unlikely hero, defenseman Jason Garrison, scored the game-winning goal just over a minute into the period. His goal won the game for the Lightning and gave them a commanding 3-1 series lead, allowing them to clinch the series on home ice.
The Tampa Bay Lightning would go on to shutout the Islanders in game five by a score of 4-0, and goaltender Ben Bishop earned another elimination game shutout. Following their series win, the Lightning advanced on to the Eastern Conference Finals to face the Pittsburgh Penguins.