There are two Stanley Cup playoffs games Friday, including a crucial Game 4 in the Eastern Conference.
The Tampa Bay Lightning can take a 3-1 series lead with a win over the Boston Bruins. Led by Ondrej Palat’s two quick goals, the Lightning won 4-1 in Game 3 for just their 10th win in 55 games at TD Garden in Boston. Steven Stamkos scored his first goal — an empty netter — of the series in the win. Stamkos has struggled to find the back of the net with only two goals, but he does have five assists.
In the Western Conference, the San Jose Sharks need a win in Game 5 to put the Vegas Golden Knights on the ropes facing elimination for the first time. Martin Jones and the Sharks shut out the Golden Knights in Game 4 to even the series.
Vegas is 32-11-2 on its home ice this season. However, San Jose won the last meeting there in double overtime and comes in with momentum, winning two of the last three games in the series. San Jose must win one more time at T-Mobile Arena, where a Game 7 would be played if needed Tuesday, to advance to the Western Conference Final for the second time in three seasons.
How to watch Friday’s games:
Stanley Cup playoffs schedule
| Matchup | Series | Time | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game 5: Washington at Vegas | WSH 3-1 | 7 p.m. | NBC |
SB Nation sites to follow on Twitter:
Tampa Bay (@RawCharge) at Boston (@cupofchowdah)
San Jose (@fearthefin) at Vegas (@knightsonice)