Any notion that the Penguins could mount a comeback against the Lightning were quickly dashed in the 2nd period as Tampa Bay scored three more goals, increasing their lead to 5-0.
A feisty Vincent Lecavalier got on the board early for the Lightning, scoring a 1:55 into the period to increase the visitors’ lead to 3-0. Simon Gagne bagged his second a little bit later, finally chasing Marc-Andre Fleury from the net and leading to Brent Johnson’s introduction.
But things didn’t fare much better for Johnson, who gave up another goal, Stamkos’ second, just over a minute after his introduction.
Adding to the Penguins’ misery is their 0-for-5 performance on the man advantage on thus far.
With the game all but over, the Penguins will need to focus on damage control in the 3rd period and, at least, try to slow the Lightning’s momentum before the trip back to Florida for Game 6.