Penguins force series-deciding game seven

Omnisports

May 25, 2016 1:21 AM

The Pittsburgh Penguins tied their NHL Eastern Conference final series against the Tampa Bay Lightning at 3-3 courtesy of a 5-2 win on Tuesday.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins tied their NHL Eastern Conference final series against the Tampa Bay Lightning courtesy of a 5-2 win on Tuesday.

The Lightning went into the contest knowing a win would seal their place in the Stanley Cup final, but it was the Penguins who kept their hopes of progressing alive by levelling the play-off at 3-3 and ensuring a deciding game seven.

Phil Kessel gave the Penguins the lead with 74 seconds left in the first period before a dominant second period set them up for the win.

Goals from Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby put Pittsburgh 3-0 ahead, but the Lightning did manage to stage a fightback in the final period at the Amalie Arena.

An unlikely double from Brian Boyle brought the game back to 3-2, but the Penguins restored their advantage with late goals.

Bryan Rust struck first with just over two minutes left in regulation time to give the Penguins some breathing space, before Nick Bonino made sure of the result with 54 seconds remaining.

The series-deciding game seven takes place at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Thursday.

Omnisports