By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Proud papa
Lightning G Mike Smith is close friends with Blackhawks G Marty Turco, left, with whom Smith played, and from whom he learned, in Dallas. Turco told espn.com he was proud watching Smith on Monday in Game 5, his first career playoff start, and was "hanging on every save." He also was text-messaging Smith's wife, Brigitte, during breaks. "It was really a sense of pride and being proud like a big brother or even a dad would be," Turco said. The two have traded texts since, Smith said Wednesday. "It was definitely nice to have that support."
Keeping busy
D Matt Smaby has been a healthy scratch in every Lightning playoff game. He is frustrated not being able to help his teammates in games. But Smaby said he finds other ways to make contributions. "I want to help and want to be involved, but everyone has got their role," he said. "My role is a little bit different right now. A lot of it boils down to work ethic. Even if I'm not skating with the guys, (I have) to work absolutely as hard as I can when I'm out there, so the coaches see that. Just have a good attitude and keep guys smiling and laughing. Just be a great team guy."
Three stars
MARTY ST. LOUIS: The Lightning wing had three points, with two goals, including a huge score midway through the third period 29 seconds after the Bruins had cut the Lightning lead to 4-3.
DAVID KREJCI: The Bruins center picked up a hat trick, the first time an opponent has had one against the Lightning in the playoffs.
TEDDY PURCELL: The Lightning wing had his second multigoal game of the series, scoring 36 seconds into the game with a quick wrist shot off a faceoff.
Quote to note
"It's one of the toughest, if not the toughest, to win. There's so much you have to battle and go through."
Lightning C Steven Stamkos, on winning the Stanley Cup
Number of the day
49.7 Lightning's winning percentage on faceoffs entering Wednesday, worst of the final four playoff teams
The series Tied 3-3
Game 1, Lightning 5, Bruins 2: Three goals in 1:25 of the first spark Lightning.
Game 2, Bruins 6, Lightning 5: Bruins score five in the second.
Game 3, Bruins 2, Lightning 0: Bruins prevail in tight defensive game.
Game 4, Lightning 5, Bruins 3: Lightning scores five unanswered goals.
Game 5, Bruins 3, Lightning 1: Tim Thomas huge with 33 saves.
Game 6, Lightning 5, Bruins 4: Three goals, five assists from Lightning's Big 3.
Friday: at Boston, 8, Versus, 970-AM