Lightning Strikes | Lightning look to take pivotal Game 5 in Toronto

Plus: Ross Colton continuing to relish the playoff stage

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View on the web Go to our home page Subscribe to the Times Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Forward this to a friend Subscribe to more newsletters [DIRK SHADD | Times] Game 5 is huge for Lightning TORONTO -- We certainly know that the Lightning can bounce back from a playoff loss. They've been doing it for years now.    But ride momentum? Step on an opponent when they're down and dig their heel into their throat? Keep pushing on the gas pedal? That's something we're still waiting to see from this year's Lightning team.    That's why tonight's Game 5 against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena is so important. The Lightning have momentum, and after their 7-3 Game 4 win at Amalie Arena, they've got the Leafs wobbling like Glass Joe in Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!.    Now, they have to deliver a knockout blow, win on the road, become the first team this series to win consecutive games and send the series back to Tampa up 3 games to 1.   Urgency. It's something the Lightning have lacked at confusing times this season.  It seems like only when they're up against the wall or facing doubters that they shift into another gear.   The last two Stanley Cup championship teams had that. They were more than the "Find-A-Ways." They were a team that led their opponents to slaughter. Tease as they may, they'd always send a team home knowing without a doubt who the better team was. Whether it was a clutch power play goal, or Andrei Vasilevskiy making opposing marksmen look to the sky, they left no doubt.    And now the Lightning have their greatest chance to show that they still possess that mentality. And if they do, watch out.  A repeat to remember Want to relive the Lightning’s second straight Stanley Cup win? The Tampa Bay Times has a new book for that. Striking Twice commemorates another thrilling NHL championship season. Order yours today! [DIRK SHADD | Times] Lightning's Ross Colton loving postseason spotlight  He scored the Cup-clinching goal in last season's Stanley Cup final, but for Ross Colton, that's just the beginning of his postseason heroics.    In a star-studded series like this one, with dynamic playmakers and 100-point scorers on both sides of the ice, it's usually the lesser-known contributors who are the difference.   And early on in this series, Colton has been an X-factor for the Lightning, scoring three goals through the first four games while playing his typical brand of disciplined and heavy hockey.    After switching between lines for most of the season, Colton has found a home alongside newcomers Nick Paul and Brandon Hagel. They're a line that's getting better every game, something that will need to continue if the Lightning are going to get deep in the playoffs.   But already, they've become a nuisance to play against because they're in your face with the forecheck, have great sticks and can skate.  [DOUGLAS CLIFFORD | Times] In case you missed it ... Lightning's Corey Perry a difference maker in the postseason   Lightning's Victor Hedman a Norris Trophy finalist again   Maple Leafs hold off late Lightning rally to win Game 3 in Tampa    We've seen the enemy and darned if it isn't the Lightning themselves   NHL commissioner Gary Bettman lauds Lightning's achievements    Lightning’s Victor Hedman is only getting better with age   Game 3 report card: Signs of Life Gain unlimited access to Lightning, Buccaneers and Rays coverage for about $1 a week! Subscribe now Stanley Cup playoffs: Lightning vs. Maple Leafs  Series tied 2-2     Game 1: Maple Leafs 5, Lightning 0   Game 2: Lightning 5, Maple Leafs 3   Game 3: Maple Leafs 5, Lightning 2   Game 4: Lightning 7, Maple Leafs 3   Game 5: Tonight at Scotiabank Arena, 7:30 p.m., Bally Sports Sun and ESPN2   Game 6: Thursday at Amalie Arena, time TBD, Bally Sports Sun   Game 7: Saturday at Scotiabank Arena, time TBD, Bally Sports Sun*   *If necessary  Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieInTheYard. Did someone forward this to you? Get Lightning Strikes in your own inbox next time. It's free to subscribe. Sign up here. Contact us Privacy policy Terms, conditions & copyright Standard of accuracy © 2022 • All Rights Reserved Tampa Bay Times • 490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111 To ensure this email is delivered to your inbox, add custserv@elist.tampabay.com to your address book. You are receiving this email because you signed up for the "Lightning Strikes" newsletter from the Tampa Bay Times. If you’d prefer not to receive updates, you can unsubscribe from this email.