Q&A: Lightning goalie Ben Bishop, unmasked

Ben Bishop fills a large and important role for the Lightning. Scott Audette/Getty ImagesPITTSBURGH -- When Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop led his team to a series victory over the New York Islanders in Game 5 on Sunday, it marked the fourth time he has pitched a shutout in an elimination game. Only Chris Osgood has more shutouts in clinching circumstances -- five -- in NHL history. In just his second season as a playoff starter, Bishop has amassed a 21-13 record with a .926 save percentage.

I had a chance to chat with the 29-year-old who has won four in a row heading into Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals, which commence on Friday at 8 p.m. ET against the Pittsburgh…