The Final came down to two teams that both started from the round robin portion of the playoffs, as the Tampa Bay Lightning (East) took on the Dallas Stars (West). Both teams were looking for their second Cup win, having won it once before (Dallas in 1999, Tampa Bay in 2004). Only one southern State-based team walked away champions though, as the Tampa Bay Lightning won in six games to win the 2020 Stanley Cup.
Games
Dallas Stars - 4
Tampa Bay Lighting - 1
The scoring was opened from an likely player: Joel Hanley. About six minutes into the first, the Stars forward took a pass from Roope Hintz and shot it over the blocker of Andrei Vasilevskiy to put Dallas in the lead. Jamie Benn had a chance to extend the lead moments later, thanks to an awkward bounce, but was not able to convert. A scrum a few minutes later resulted in play becoming 4-on-4. While the Lightning didn't get a shot during that time, they did use to to gain some momentum. It paid off later on, as a point shot from Blake Coleman was stooped, but rebounded off the skates of Yanni Gourde and Hintz before entering the Stars net. The period ended tied at 1-1, as neither team managed much in the way of shots after the Lightning's goal. The early part of the second period saw Tampa Bay get into some penalty trouble, as twice Blake Coleman was sent to the box (slashing and hooking respectively). Dallas wasn't able to capitalize on the man advantage though, as the closest they got was an Alex Radulov shot that hit the post. The Stars kept up the pressure though. Just over 12 minutes into the period, Radulov would find an open Jamie Oleksiak. The Stars defenseman's first shot was stopped, but he managed to get the rebound and lift it over a sliding Vasilevskiy to put Dallas back in the lead. It was them Tampa Bay's turn to put on the pressure, but failed to result in an equalizer. Just under 30 left i the period, it was Dallas' breakout star of the playoffs, Joel Kiviranta, who managed to beat Vasilevskiy to extend the Stars lead. The period didn't end overtly peaceful though, as Patrick Maroon shot the puck into the Stars bench at the buzzer (he was assessed a misconduct penalty for the action). The third period started off with Tampa Bay in control, as they managed five shot sin the first three minutes. Even an early powerplay though wasn't able to help the Lightning solve Anton Khudobin. Just over seven minutes into the third period, the Stars would get their first shot on net in the period. Tampa Bay's dominant play continued, but their efforts (along with two powerplays) went unrewarded. Jason Dickinson capped off the scoring with an empty netter (it was also the second, and last, shot Dallas had in the third). The 4-1 win gave Dallas the lead in the series.
Dallas Stars - 2
Tampa Bay Lighting - 3
Dallas got a few shots to start the game, but the story early on was Nikita Kucherov. The Lightning forward was banged up in the early going, taking a bad collision then a high-stick shortly after. A collision at the board minutes later though would cause him to go to the locker room (he would return to the game). The Lightning powerplay would come alive midway through the first. It was Brayden Point first, as his one-timer from the slot fluttered past the glove of Khudobin. Three minutes later, it was Ondrej Palat's turn, as he beat a sliding Khudobin (to note, Kucherov got the primary assist om both goals). The powerplay's momentum fed into their even strength play, as less than a minute later, Kevin Shattenkirk's point shot found it's way through a couple bodies (tipping off Esa Lindell) and into the Dallas net. A late powerplay didn't help the Stars much though, as the Lightning's 3-0 lead stood to end the period. Both teams exchanged powerplays early in the second, but neither could capitalize on them. Play did shift Dallas's way in the second, as the Stars looked to get on the board. They would do so later in the period, as on the powerplay, John Klingberg's shot was tipped by Joe Pavelski on it;s way into the Lightning net. Things got rough soon after, as a hit on Blake Comeau by Ryam McDonagh was followed by goaltender interference by Patrick Maroon. Jawing after the whistle also resulted in a couple players from each team getting sent off for roughing. Dallas failed to score on the powerplay, as the period ended with Tampa Bay still up by two. Play was rough to start the third, but things would calm down (surprisingly, with no penalties called). Mattias Janmark scored just over five minutes into the period, as he redirect a pass inform Klingberg into the Lightning net. Tampa Bay looked to have restored their tow-goal lead midway through the period, as Mikhail Sergachev's point shot found its way through a screened Khudobin. However, a challenge by Dallas showed that the play was offside, resulting in the goal being neglected. Dallas had a short offensive burst afterwards, but it was mostly Tampa Bay the rest of the way. Even with the net empty for an extra attacker, the Stars could not find the tying goal. Tampa Bay. The Lighting took the game 3-2, tying the series at a game a piece.
Tampa Bay Lighting - 5
Dallas Stars - 3
The story before this game was Steven Stamkos, as the Lightning forward made his playoff debut after being out since February with a core muscle injury. It took just over five minutes the first big mistake of the game to be a costly one. A turnover by Miro Heiskanen proved to be costly, as the puck went right to an open Kucherov. Kucherov skated in on a breakaway and snap it past Khudobin to make it 1-0 Lightning. Less than two minutes later, it was Stamkos who extended the lead, as he took the puck, slid past a Stars defender, and beat Khudobin blocker side. Dallas got a powerplay minutes later, but despite moving the puck well, was not able to solve Vasilevskiy. The powerplay was cut short though, as Kiviranta was called for interference. It ended up working out for Dallas though, as Jason Dickinson scored shorthanded to put the Stars on the board. Dallas started to take over from there, as they peppered Vasilevskiy with shots, looking for the tying goal. There was in interesting moment later in the period, as Dickinson had dislodged the Lightning net, however, as the Lightning had control of the puck, play resumed for about another 30 seconds before being whistled. Tampa Bay held on though, and escaped the period leading 2-1. Starting the second period on the powerplay, it didn't take long for the Lightning to add to their lead. Victor Hedman's snapshot from the slot beat Khudobin, making it 3-1 Lightning. It was a sign of things to come, as the period was dominated by Tampa Bay. Despite this, it did take them until the 12-minute mark to get another goal. This time, it was Point, who finished off a 3-on-1 by one-timing it past a sliding Khudobin. Palat capped off the scoring for the Lightning late in the period, burying a rebound to make it 5-1. New period, new goalie for Dallas, as Jake Oettinger relieved Khudobin in the Stars net. The third was less about shots and more about beating each other up, starting three minutes in with Palat and Janmark getting roughing penalties. 40 seconds later, it was Jan Rutta and Benn who were penalized after wrestling each other. The Stars did get one, as Heiskanen 's shot bounced off and over Vasilevskiy before trickling into the net. Dallas had two powerplays later on, but were not able to score on either. Just under two minutes left, things started to boil over, starting with Pavelski cross-checking Goodrow, and devolved to both teams having players sent off for roughing. Tampa Bay ended the game with a powerplay, but didn't do much with it. The 5-2 win put Tampa Bay in the series lead.
Tampa Bay Lighting - 5 (OT)
Dallas Stars - 4
Tampa Bay looked to continue their momentum in this one, as they had the puck for most of the early part of the game. It was Dallas who opened the scoring though, one their first shot of the game. Just over seven minutes in, Klingberg had his first shot attempt blocked, but managed to get it back and quickly fired off a shot that went past the glove of Vasilevskiy. Dallas remained in control for a short time after, but it wasn't until late in the period when they found the back of the net again. Benn would pass to a streaking Pavelski, who finished off the play by quickly shooting it past a sliding Vasilevskiy. Just a minute later, the Lightning answered back. Palat sprung Point on a breakaway, and the Lighting forward made no mistake in deking out Khudobin and chipping a backhander into the Stars net. The first period ended shortly after, as Dallas went into the intermission up 2-1. A powerplay early in the second helped Tampa Bay tie the game. It was Point once again, as he batted the puck out of the air and into the Dallas net. Things got worse for Dallas, as minutes later, Roope Hintz would trip over a stick and crash into the boards. The Stars forward did get up, but was assisted off the ice and would not return to the game. Dallas did managed to regain the lead though, thanks to their counter attack. Tyler Seguin would fight off a check as he went to the Lightning net. He managed to slide the puck past Vasilevskiy and into the crease, where a streaking Corey Perry got just enough of the puck to push it past the goal line. Once again, a goal gave the Stars momentum, as they looked to extend their lead. Nick Caamano came close, but could not lift the puck over the outstretch pad of Vasilevskiy. A powerplay wasn't much help to the Stars either. The Lightning did tie the game late in the period, thanks again to another powerplay of their own. Yanni Gourde put home a deflected puck to tie the game. The score remained for the rest of the period, as both teams entered the intermission tied 3-3.It stayed tied for the first six minutes of the third. That was when Alex Killorn's shot managed to find a way over Khudobin's shoulder and right into the top corner of the net. While Dallas wasn't able to convert on a powerplay midway through the period, it didn't take long after it for them to do so. Pavelski's shot bounced off Vasilevskiy, hit the knee of Shattenkirk, and went into the Lightning net. Near the end of the period, Perry (hooking) and Point (embellishment) were called for penalties. Regulation time ended with both teams at 4 goals each, meaning overtime was needed. Early in the extra frame, Sergachev was called for holding, giving the Stars the man advantage. Much like the rest of the game though, Dallas' powerplay expired without a goal. Minutes later, it was the Lightning's turn on the powerplay, as Benn was called for tripping. Much like the rest of the game, Tampa Bay's powerplay converted. Shattenkirk snapped a shot that beat a screened Khudobin. winning the game in the process. The 5-4 win put Tampa Bay up 3-1 in the series, leaving them one win away from winning the Cup.
Dallas Stars - 3 (2OT)
Tampa Bay Lighting - 2
It was back-and-forth early one, with both teams getting shots but failing to hit the back of the net. After a lot of play with very few whistles, it was the Dallas Stars who opened the scoring. Oleksiak started the play by keeping the puck in the Lighting zone and passing it to Seguin. Seguin tried to get by a defender, but it was Perry who took the puck and snapped it past Vasilevskiy. Perry's goal was the lone one of the period, as Dallas led 1-0 after 20 minutes. Perry had a chance early in the second, but his one-timer was stopped by Vasilevskiy. Four minutes into the period, Tampa Bay tied the game. Palat took a pass from Kucherov, cut across the crease, and tucked it by the pad of Khudobin. Tampa Bay continued to pressure after the goal, looking to take the lead. Dallas did get a few chances of their own in the period, thanks to a powerplay. Neither team though could break the tie, as the second period ended with the score at 1-1. IT didn't take too long in the third for the tie to be broken. Just over three minutes in, a point shot from Sergachev found it's way through a screened Khudobin and into the Stars net. Dallas looked to catch a break when they got a powerplay midway through the period. However, it was shortly after it expired when they struck, as Joe Pavelski buried a rebound to toe the game. The Lighting almost regained the lead moments later, as Anthony Circelli's shot took a deflection and bounced off the post. That ended up being the closest either team got, as the third period end 3-3, leading to overtime being needed for a second game. Tampa Bay was in control for most of the period, as they had have majority of the shots in the period. There was a bit of unseen controversy late in the extra frame, as Dallas was called for icing, but upon the broadcast review, the puck had actually hit the toe of Vasilevskiy. Not being reviewable, or noticed by anyone, the play was considered an icing. The Stars did get their first shot of the period 17:53 into it. Tampa Bay end the extra frame leading in shots 7-2, but none of them resulted in the winning goal. A second overtime period was needed. The second overtime was more even in play, as both teams had spurts on offense to being the period. This period needed all of 9:23 before it ended. A point shot from Klingberg was blocked, but Perry was in front of the net, and would eventually put the puck into the Lightning net. Perry goal gave the Stars the 3-2 win, and kept them alive in the series.
Tampa Bay Lighting - 2
Dallas Stars - 0
Neither team looked good in the being, highlighted by the fact there were three shots combined in the first six minutes. The Lightning were awarded a powerplay, but failed to register a shot on net. They were back on the powerplay minutes later though, and this time the outcome was different. Point had is initial shot stopped, but managed to pounce on the rebound and whack it past Khudobin. Tampa Bay looked much better after the goal, as they continued to pressure, looking to extend lead. Dallas did get a powerplay of their own late in the period, but only managed to take a few shots. Tampa Bay ended the first period up 1-0. The second started similar to the first, as it was relatively uneventful. Seven minutes into the period, that changed. A giveaway to a changing Lightning bench led to them entering the Stars zone. Cedric Paquette found Coleman with a cross-ice pass, which the Lightning winger one-timed past a sliding Khudobin. Dallas did get a powerplay a minute later, but again failed to capitalize on it. The powerplay didn't last the full two minutes though, as Perry was called for goaltender interference, resulting in 4-on-4 for a short time before Tampa Bay went on the man advantage. Between the powerplay and sustained pressure afterwards, the Lightning were unable to extend their lead. The Lightning remained in the lead as the second period ended, as they entered the second intermission up 2-0. Dallas came out in the third playing with more urgency, and ended up controlling play for most of the period. Vasilevskiy and the Lightning defense stood tall though, not letting the Stars find their way onto the scoreboard. Vasilevskiy himself stopped 22 shots in the shutout effort. The Tampa Bay Lightning's 2-0 win was their fourth of the series, making them Stanley Cup Champions.
Three Thoughts on the Series
- It was pretty cool that the Stanley Cup was positioned above the ice. Although security may want to keep an eye on it though.
- I didn't realize Vasilevskiy's agent was Allan Walsh.
- The Lighting won because they SHOOT!
- It does suck that the pandemic limited plans for the players regarding having their day with the Cup.
- I know they talked about it, but the NHL should have piped in boos for Bettman. Here a proper version of the Cup being awarded.
- And finally: The Stars - unlike their captain - finally went down.
Picture of the Series
The Lightning win their first legitimate second Cup in their franchise's history.
Highlight of the Series
Since the Lightning won, Steven Stamkos' time on ice of 2:47 will likely be stuff of Stanley Cup lore. Here's his lone goal in the playoffs.