One of hockey’s great truisms is that the most important game is the next one. But for many of these teams, particularly the underdogs in each series, winning game two to keep from falling behind 2-0 was absolutely paramount. For the folks cheering for chaos, you got your wish on Thursday as only Vegas was able to double its lead. Everywhere else, we’re on level ground and maybe getting ready for some long series ahead. Here’s to the chaos.
Thursday’s Games:
Columbus Blue Jackets 3, Tampa Bay Lightning 1, Series Tied 1-1
- This game required far less drama than the first, and Columbus acquitted themselves much better than in the first game; after Tampa absolutely dominated the first ten minutes and went up 1-0, the rest of the game was played fairly evenly with the Blue Jackets capitalizing on their chances.