ECF Preview and Live Thread - May 26

New York Rangers at Tampa Bay Lightning, Game 6

Lightning Lead Series 3-2

8:00 PM EST, NBCSN

After a pair of lackluster performances from Ben Bishop in Games 3 and 4, national media posed the question to Tamp Bay Lightning Coach Jon Cooper: "Should Ben Bishop get the start in Game 5?". Cooper's response was clear and direct:

Asked if he'd consider starting Vasilevskiy over Bishop in goal for Game 5, #TBLightning coach Jon Cooper calls question "asinine."

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 23, 2015

Looks like Cooper knows his stuff, because as quickly as the Rangers offense lit up for 10 goals in 2 games against the Lightning, Ben Bishop and the Lightning snuffed them out in Game 5 IN Madison Square Garden. Sunday night the Rangers were held to 26 shots on net and Ben Bishop was perfect, earning the shutout in enemy territory. Offensively, Steven Stamkos led the way for the Lightning again. After a slow start to the playoffs the All-World scorer has found his groove, scoring his 7th goal of the playoffs and assisting on Valtteri Filppula's game winner.

Now the Lightning head back to Tampa Bay and have a chance to secure their spot in the Stanley Cup Finals playing in front of their own fans (don't worry, there will be NO Rangers jerseys in the stands)

Here's a look at Game 5 in case you missed all the action:

What do we always say in times like these Rangers fans?