UNDATED (AP) — The Tampa Bay Lightning can advance to the NHL’s Eastern Conference finals as early as Monday night.
The Lightning are up three games to none in their second-round series following a 5-1 win over the Panthers.
Nikita Kucherov had a goal and three assists to support Andrei Vasilevskiy, who turned back 35 shots. Vasilevskiy blanked Florida after Sam Reinhart scored with the man advantage late in the first period. It was the Panthers’ first power-play goal of the entire postseason.
Erik Cernak snapped a 1-1 tie early in the second period. Steven Stamkos scored twice for the two-time defending champs, who have won five in a row.
The Panthers will try to avoid a four-game sweep on Monday.
The Rangers are within two games to one in their second-round series with the Hurricanes after earning a 3-1 win at Madison Square Garden.
Igor Shesterkin turned back 43 shots and allowed only a goal by Nino Neiderreiter in the second period, cutting New York’s lead to 2-1.
Mika Zibanejad opened the scoring with a power-play goal midway through the first period. He also set up Chris Kreider’s eventual game-winner 5:55 into the second.
Tyler Motte iced the victory with an empty-netter.
Antti Raanta made 30 saves for the Canes, who stay in New York for Game 4 on Tuesday.
Evander Kane had a hat trick and the Oilers played strong defense in a 4-1 win over the Flames. The outcome puts Edmonton ahead, 2-1 in the second-round series.
Zach Hyman scored 52 seconds into the second period before Kane tallied three times in the stanza. Kane scored 53 seconds apart, then capped his natural hat trick five minutes later.
Leon Draisaitl had four assists, one more than Connor McDavid.
Mike Smith turned back 31 shots and came within five minutes of a shutout after the Oilers allowed 12 goals in the first two games of the second-round series.
Oliver Kylington had Calgary’s goal.
Game 4 is Tuesday in Edmonton.
