Hedman, Callhan, and Killorn celebrate as the puck bounces out of the Blackhawks’ net on what was ultimately Garrison’s game-winning goal. Credit: Nicole Abbett

The play on the ice went back and forth at Amalie Arena all night where the Lightning and Blackhawks met for Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final. After exchanging 7 goals, 6 penalties, and making three goalie changes, the Lightning evened up the series to win 4-3 over the Blackhawks.

The Blackhawks tied the game twice and took a short-lived lead in the 2nd, but in the end the Lightning won Game 2. The Lightning are now 4-0 in Game 2’s in this year’s postseason.

Lightning forward Tyler Johnson ended his five game goal scoring drought in the 2nd, scoring his 13th goal of the playoffs. Johnson, who has 22 points, set the Lightning record for most goals in one postseason. “I have not been concerned with him not scoring. You can’t score a goal every game. Well, unless you’re Gretzky,” Cooper remarked on Johnson after the game.

Tyler Johnson scores his 13th goal of the playoffs, putting an end to his 5-game drought. Credit: Nicole Abbett

At 8:49 into the third, defenseman Jason Garrison scored a power play goal to what ultimately led to be the game-winning goal. For Garrison, it was his second goal of the playoffs.

What has been left as more of a mystery was Lightning goalie Ben Bishop leaving the ice twice in the third period, not returning after his second exit. Bishop left once at 7:17, returning at 8:49, and then departed again at 12:19. Some sources are speculating that Bishop had indigestion and others ruminate that he could have gotten injured after taking a hit from Marian Hossa as the Blackhawks scored their controversial third goal.

Andrei Vasilevskiy, who replaced Ben Bishop twice in the 3rd deserves some serious credit for being forced into such a high pressure game. He definitely looked nervous at first, but quickly found his groove after a couple hits. Vasilevskiy is the first goalie in 24 years to earn a Stanley Cup Final win in relief since Pittsburgh’s Frank Pietrangelo on May 23, 1991. The 20-year-old goaltender earned his eighth career NHL win, his first in the postseason.

The team congratulates goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy after he replaced Ben Bishop and helped lead the team to a win. Credit: Nicole Abbett

It is still unclear what the issue with Bishop was. Jon Cooper refused to address Ben Bishop’s situation in the press conference after his team’s Game 2 win over Chicago, saying “I hate to be that guy, but I won’t answer any questions about Bishop.” Whatever it may be, here’s to hoping he’s okay and that we’ll see him play in Game 3 tomorrow at the United Center in Chicago.

Game 3 will be tomorrow at the United Center in Chicago at 8 p.m. ET. The game will be televised on CBC, TVA, and NBCSN.

Mayor Bob Buckhorn and his wife, Dr. Catherine Lynch Buckhorn (bottom, center), cheer in excitement after the Game 2 Lightning win. Credit: Nicole Abbett

The first of away game watch parties will cheer on the Bolts at Channelside Bay Plaza Monday night. The free event starts at 7 p.m. with live music, entertainment, giveaways and a large LED screen set up in the courtyard. Channelside Bay Plaza is at 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa.