The Tampa Bay Lightning took a huge Game 2 from the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final despite having to change goaltenders three times in the third period. The fun started at 12:43 of the third period with the score tied at 3-3 and the Lightning about to go on the power play. Ben Bishop left the game and was replaced by Andrei Vasilevskiy. The next stoppage was at 11:11 after Jason Garrison’s go ahead goal, and that’s when Bishop came back in. Bishop had spent most of the time away with his mask on and still on the bench, so you’re figuring it’s an equipment problem and no big deal.
But then Bishop left again at the 7:41 mark in favor of Vasilevskiy, and this time it was for good. So what was the deal?
Bishop not available to media because of “treatment.”
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) June 7, 2015
Bishop’s issue was not restroom-related.
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) June 7, 2015
Well there goes the easy theory of “flu”. And this certainly creates questions for Game 3, which aren’t going to be answered by Jon Cooper:
Jon Cooper: “I hate to be that guy, but I will not answer a question about the goaltending.” — Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) June 7, 2015
I guess we will just have to wait until Game 3 to find out who will be in net for the Lightning, but there is some speculation about what is wrong with Bishop:
Looks like a knee injury for Ben Bishop. We had a visual of the injury before he left the first time. #tvasports
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) June 7, 2015
For what it’s worth, Vasilevskiy, who was born five weeks after the Rangers won the Cup in ’94, went five-for-five in saves in Game 2 to get the W.
Stamkos said the team didn’t realize Bishop was out of the game until the PA guy said it. — Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) June 7, 2015
Jason Garrison on goaltender carousel and potential for missing Bishop in Game 3: ” We’re not worried about it.” #TBL
— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) June 7, 2015
Stress level is obviously at “toes in the sand with a drink that has an umbrella in it.” For now.
