TAMPA — For the first time since 1968 and third time in NHL history, all four games of the Stanley Cup Final have been decided by a single goal. When you’re in a series as tight as the one the Chicago Blackhawks and Tampa Bay Lightning are battling in, your special teams success/failure can be a gamechanger.
As the Finals shifts back to Amalie Arena for Game 5 Saturday night, the Blackhawks penalty kill has done its job when needed, killing off 11 of 12 Lightning power plays. Seven times in this series Tampa has failed to capitalized on extra man opportunities to either tie the game or take the lead, including a second period 5-on-3 for 1:26 in Game 3; a game which they would eventually win 3-2.