Series between Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers» meets and even exceeds all expectations in its level of intensity and number of sensations. While there were few doubters about the Panthers' success, hardly anyone believed in their victory with a score of 4-0. And “Florida”, after three games, forced everyone to prepare for exactly this situation: the “sweep” of “Lightning” in the first round already seemed quite real.
To correct the situation, the Lightning and Jon Cooper's coaching staff had to take unusual measures. Tampa, shortly before the start of the fourth — perhaps the most important of the season — match of the series, surprised with its lineup. It turned out to be Mikhail Sergachev! For the star Russian defender, this season can be described in two words — injustice and overcoming. Having missed a considerable part at the beginning of the championship, Mikhail, having barely returned to duty, immediately left it due to another injury. But much more serious and creepy. In that same game with the Rangers, Sergachev received fractures of the tibia and fibula bones of his left leg and was forced to undergo surgery, and after it, probably forget about the season.
Even Tampa initially did not believe that the Russian would be available before the start of training camp, and closer to the playoffs John Cooper announced that Sergachev would not play in the first round. And Mikhail claimed that he did not intend to speed up his preparation. However, during the decisive period of the series with Florida, he still joined his teammates who needed help to avoid a resounding failure. Sergachev has not played since the beginning of February; he missed more than two and a half months and 31 matches, including the regular season. However, he did not lose his place in the top 4 paired with Erik Cernak. As well as the ability not only to defend, but also to provide benefits in attack.
Inspired by the even more powerful support of the fans with the return of the Russian, Tampa naturally swept away Florida in the first period. After 16 minutes from the moment of the starting throw-in, the scoreboard showed 3:0 in favor of the Lightning, who scored for every taste: in the majority, in the minority and in equal strength. The third goal was especially beautiful, when Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point, at great speed, made literally nothing out of Florida’s defense. Even Sergei Bobrovsky turned out to be helpless.
However, over the course of the entire season, Tampa learned that an advantage gained even by three or more goals does not guarantee it victory in the match. The Lightning almost missed this opportunity in just ten minutes of the second period. Mikhail Sergachev saved the Lightning from the fiasco — the Russian hero defender who returned to the lineup scored an assist and helped Brandon Hagel score a double. It was this goal that became the winning one for the Lightning. After the game, Tampa captain Steven Stamkos gave a powerful speech in honor of the Russian, noting his heroic qualities. The Canadian himself knows what it’s like to suffer a serious injury and, overcoming difficulties and pain, to help his team.
In the third 20 minutes, “Tampa” already brought the matter to a beautiful victory, scoring twice more. Both times — with the participation of Nikita Kucherov. The top scorer of the last regular season is not so noticeable in the playoffs, but still scores points in every match (0+6). With his assist hat trick today, Kucherov brings his career total in NHL playoff assists to 113. Nikita is tied with Pittsburgh Penguins legend Evgeni Malkin for the second-most career assists among active NHL players. Only Sidney Crosby is ahead.
6:3 — “Tampa” avoided a resounding failure and managed to extend the series by at least one match. The battle for Florida, which returns to the Panthers' arena, is just beginning.