Johnson’s OT deflection lifts Lightning over Penguins
Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov (86) is greeted by teammates Tyler Johnson and Victor Hedman after scoring to tie the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period in Pittsburgh. (Associated Press)
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stops a shot during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy watches as Pittsburgh Penguins' Chris Kunitz celebrates his goal during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Marc-Andre Fleury (29) stretches to make a save on Tampa Bay Lightning's Tyler Johnson (9) during the first period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Tampa Bay Lightning's Alex Killorn (17) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
The puck gets behind Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) on a shot by Pittsburgh Penguins' Patric Hornqvist, right, for a goal, as Sidney Crosby, center, celebrates during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin (71) passes to teammate Chris Kunitz to assist on his goal past Tampa Bay Lightning's Alex Killorn (17) during the second period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman Brett Kiesel, right, and professional wrestling personality Shawn Michaels, left, watch the Pittsburgh Penguins play against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period of Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals, Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
PITTSBURGH — The Tampa Bay Lightning are one win away from a return trip to the Stanley Cup Final.
Tyler Johnson deflected Jason Garrison’s wrist shot past Marc-Andre Fleury’s glove 53 seconds into overtime to give the Lightning a 4-3 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Sunday night to take a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series.
Game 6 is Tuesday night in Tampa.
Nikita Kucherov scored twice to boost his postseason total to an NHL-best 11 and Alex Killorn picked up his fifth of the playoffs as the Lightning handed the Penguins consecutive losses for the first time since January. Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 31 shots.
Brian Dumoulin, Chris Kunitz and Patric Hornqvist scored for the Penguins, who lost for the first time all season when leading after two periods.
Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves in his first start since March and couldn’t get his hands on Johnson’s redirect.
Back in his customary starting spot for the first time in 52 days, Fleury appeared to be plenty fresh.
He sprinted in full gear onto the Consol Energy Center ice for his 100th career playoff appearance and was his usually steady self — including a split save on Johnson in the second period that few of his brethren can make.
He was helped by teammates more than willing to get on their bellies. The Penguins blocked 22 shots before they even made it to the goal crease and continued their series-long dominance in creating pressure at the other end.
Evgeni Maatta was back in the lineup is because Trevor Daley is out for the playoffs with a broken ankle.
