Tampa Bay Lightning’s Tyler Johnson Gets Hat Trick In Game 2 Victory Over New York Rangers

The story out of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals series was the scoring powerhouse in the form of Tampa Bay Lightning’s center Tyler Johnson’s three goals scored in their victory over the New York Rangers, 6-2.

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper talked about Johnson’s performance in Game 2.

“Oh, Tyler Johnson, the bigger the game, the better he plays… That’s Tyler Johnson. It’s unreal to watch. He put the team on his back and we all followed.”

Johnson was able to get himself a hat-trick. It is the first playoff hat-trick in the Lightning’s franchise history.

The Lightnings was able to bounce back from their Game 1 loss, all on the shoulders of Johnson. The Lightning’s Steven Stamkos talked about Game 2.

“The mindset was a little different for whatever reason… In the first game, we weren’t there mentally, physically; We didn’t compete. When this group competes… We talked about it all year, we have skill and speed to do anything if we’re willing to battle and compete. We did that tonight. At times it wasn’t pretty. We bent, we didn’t break. Took advantage of our opportunities.”

Johnson remained humble and was happy to help his team get a win deep into the playoffs on their way to a Stanley Cup final.

“I think every morning I’m just happy to be here and I’m living my dream… So, that’s what’s driving me, is to try to be the best I can and play for my family. They sacrificed so much for me to be here and I’m living my dream, so I want to keep living it as long as possible.”

The Rangers were left in the dust and will need to find a way to pick up the pieces to take away the momentum the Lighting now has going home to Tampa for Game 3.

New York Ranger’s Derek Stepan talked about the Ranger’s game play in Game 2.

“We’re in the Eastern Conference finals. We’re not playing a game in December… We’re not playing a team with a poor power play. They have a really good hockey team. You see how detailed you have to be in the playoffs. You make some mistakes and they wind up in the back of your net.”

And Ranger’s Ryan McDonagh talked about their performance in Game 2.

“It’s embarrassing… There are a lot of things you want to say right now, but talking doesn’t do much. Our guys better figure it out quickly here and realize that stupid, selfish penalties are going to cost us against this team. [Lightning] have too much skill.”

With Game 2 in the books, the series is now tied at one game a piece. The Lightnings will have to find a way to take their bounce-back victory into another win in Game 3 in Tampa on Wednesday. The Rangers will need to figure our how to silence Johnson, making sure he does not have a repeat performance of Game 2.

[Photo credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images Sport]