We're 300 minutes into the 2015 Stanley Cup Final and we've been tied or separated by just one goal for every single second of what has become a classic series.
However, the only thing that matters to the Chicago Blackhawks is the series scoreboard, as a game-winning third period goal by Antoine Vermette sent Chicago to a pivotal 2-1 road win over the Tampa Bay Lightning in Saturday's Game 5.
Tied for the fourth-straight game heading into the final frame, Vermette found a long rebound off a Kris Versteeg shot and lifted it home past returning Bolts goalie Ben Bishop for the go-ahead tally.
Chicago goalie Corey Crawford would cinch down for there, shutting Tampa down late for the second-straight contest to secure a massive road triumph for the Blackhawks.
Chicago now sits just one game away from their third Stanley Cup title in six years with a Game 6 closeout game coming on Monday.
What The...?
The first goal of Game 5 came off of Patrick Sharp's stick, but discredit for the goal goes to Ben Bishop and TB defenseman Victor Hedman who collided on the play, allowing Sharp to pick up an unassisted goal behind the wreckage.
Key Moment:
It has to be Vermette' game-winner, doesn't it? Versteeg busted free off a turnover at the Chicago blue line, darting down the ice with an initial shot at Bishop. Vermette came in with the effort play of the series so far, beating the blue shirts to the puck for the crowd-deflating score.
Chicago First Star: G Corey Crawford
It's a broken record with Crawford. Sometimes he looks decidedly ordinary, but in the clutch he's a monster of a different breed. Crawford held pat once again with the lead, stifling the Lightning's vaunted attack with an 18-minute stretch that may very well be remembered in Chicago forever.
Tampa First Star: C Valtteri Filppula
Flippula picked up the lone Tampa goal off a brilliant Jason Garrison cross-ice helper. He was also extremely active all night long, pushing the tempo in hopes of picking up a Bolts equalizer.
What's Next?
The series returns to Chicago for Monday's Game 6 at the United Center. The puck is slated to drop shortly after 7:00pm local time.
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