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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Playoff capsules: Lightning take 3-1 series lead with 4-3 overtime win over Bruins

Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi (5) and his teammates celebrate his overtime goal against the Boston Bruins in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Friday night in Boston. The Lightning won 4-3 and lead the series 3-1. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press)
Associated Press

BOSTON – Dan Girardi scored 3:18 into overtime, giving the Tampa Bay Lightning a 4-3 victory over the Boston Bruins on Friday night for a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series.

The Lightning jumped ahead 2-0 for the second straight game. But this time Boston answered with three straight goals, including a short-handed score by Patrice Bergeron – his second of the game – to break a third-period tie.

Steven Stamkos tied it 3-all with seven minutes left in regulation. Girardi ended it when he got a stick on a pass from Alex Killorn that was deflected off Brian Gionta’s skate in the crease.

Andrei Vasilevskiy made 25 saves for the Lightning, who will have a chance to clinch it at home on Sunday.

Tuukka Rask stopped 28 shots for the Bruins.

Golden Knights 5, Sharks 3

LAS VEGAS – Alex Tuch scored twice to as Vegas took a 3-2 series lead in their Western Conference semifinal series.

James Neal, Erik Haula and Jonathan Marchessault also scored for Vegas. Veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 27 shots, making save after highlight save until things got interesting late in the third period.

With San Jose trailing 4-0, Kevin Labanc, Tomas Hertl and Boedker scored in a 6:09 span to pull the Sharks within one with 4:16 remaining. However, Marchessault’s empty-netter with 21 seconds left sealed it for Vegas.

Martin Jones allowed four goals on 31 shots before being pulled in the third. Aaron Dell came on and stopped all six shots he faced.