Tampa Bay close the gap on Colorado with Game 3 win in Stanley Cup Finals

After Saturday’s humbling 7-0 defeat in Game 2, defending champions Tampa Bay Lightning closed the gap on Colorado Avalanche as the Florida based franchise search for a third straight Stanley Cup with a 6-2 win on Monday.

The Avalanche, who are hoping for a third Stanley Cup title to add to their 1996 and 2001 wins, now lead only 2-1 in this best-of-seven series.

Trailing 2-0 after two games, the Lightning responded well at home in Florida to keep the suspense alive and maintain their dream of a hat-trick of NHL titles.

Home crowd difference

“We knew coming home we would play well in front of our fans and it was a great comeback tonight. It’s very difficult to play in Colorado but we can do it at home too,” reacted Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos.

The next game of the finals is scheduled for Wednesday, again on Tampa Bay’s home ice.

Monday June 20: Tampa Bay Lightning - Colorado Avalanche: 6-2

Colorado leads the series 2-1

Already played:

Colorado - Tampa Bay: 4-3 (after overtime)

Colorado - Tampa Bay: 7-0

Upcoming:

Game 4, Wednesday June 22: Tampa Bay - Colorado

Game 5 (If required), Friday June 24: Colorado - Tampa Bay

Game 6 (If required), Sunday June 26: Tampa Bay - Colorado

Game 7 (If required), Tuesday June 28: Colorado - Tampa Bay

NB: First team to four wins wins the Stanley Cup