With Avalanche Ahead 3-2, Bolts Fight To Stay In Series Sunday Night

TAMPA, FL — The Bolts' Ondrej Palat gave Tampa Bay a 3-2 Game 5 win Friday night, extending the Stanley Cup Final and three-peat bid to Sunday where the Lightning will take on the Avalanche at the Amalie Arena.

Palat scored the game-winning goal at 13:38 of the third period to keep the Bolts alive in the playoffs while goal tender Andrei Vasilevskiy backstopped the victory with 35 saves on 37 Avalanche shots.

“It’s pretty remarkable. I think I just saw a stat, 12 game-winning goals," said Bolts team captain Steven Stamkos. "We always joke with Pally that he just finds a way. Sneaky P found a way to put one in there. It was obviously another huge goal for us.”

“I don't even know what else I can say to describe the guys," said Lighting coach Jon Cooper Saturday about the Avalanche's 3-1 lead going into Friday night's game. "You're down in a series. The cup's in the building. You're in a great environment for the home team. How do you show gamesmanship? You do everything they just did."

This was just the first step back for the Lightning, who still face a 3-2 series deficit and need to survive two more elimination games if they're going to lift the Stanley Cup for the third-straight year.

The teams will return to Tampa for Game 6 at Amalie Arena on Sunday with a puck drop at 8 p.m.

If the Bolts win this game, they will face the Avalanche one last time in Denver Tuesday in the final game to decide the winner of the Stanley Cup.

There are still tickets available for Sunday night's game at Amalie Arena. Single-game tickets start at $399. Click here.

Those who can't score tickets are invited to Ford Thunder Alley in front of the arena to watch the game on the big screen.

Lightning Plaza Parties are rain or shine. Tickets must be purchased to access. Tickets are required and fans are permitted to bring a standard tailgate-sized chair.

The plaza will open three hours before the 8 p.m. puck drop and will feature live entertainment and special Lightning guests. There will be food and drinks available.

No outside food, beverages, coolers, bags and tents are allowed.

Click here.