The Rangers proved they could hang around in a high scoring game with the Lightning but in the end Tampa Bay took Game 3 in overtime by a final of 6-5, and a 2-1 series advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals.

More jolting than being behind in the series, New York has watched Henrik Lundqvist allow a dozen combined goals in the last two games. It something that can't continue if the Rangers are to make consecutive trips to the Stanley Cup Finals.

After Derick Brassard and Jesper Fast scored to get things going for the Rangers in the first period, the Lightning went on to score four unanswered goals, including the 12th postseason score for Steven Stamkos and the first of two scores on the night for Ondrej Palat.

Palat's second came with 5:55 remaining in regulation and gave Tampa a 5-4 lead.

The Rangers answered when Dan Boyle stuffed home a loose puck past Ben Bishop sending the contest in sudden death OT.

Nikita Kucherov was assisted by Nikita Nesterov on the game winner.

Tampa hosts Game 4 on Friday night.

 

 

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