NHL FIRST-ROUND PLAYOFF SCORES…
Tampa Bay 4 – TORONTO 2… Michael Eyssimont scored a tie-breaking goal in the second period and the Lightning got third-period goals from Nicholas Paul and Alex Killorn in downing the Maple Leafs to pull within 3-2 in the series. Anthony Cirelli also found the net. The series returns to Tampa for Game 6 tomorrow.
NEW JERSEY 4 – N.Y. Rangers 0… Goalie Akira Schmid stopped all 23 shots as the Devils blanked the Rangers to take a 3-2 lead in the series. Erik Haula scored two goals and assisted on another. Dawson Mercer added a goal and an assist. The series returns to New York for tomorrow’s Game 6.
VEGAS 4 – Winnipeg 1… Chandler Stephenson’s second goal of the game capped a three-goal second period and the Golden Knights coasted past the Jets to wrap up the series in five games. Mark Stone had a goal and two assists. Goalie Laurent Brossoit made 30 saves. Las Vegas awaits the winner of the Los Angeles-Edmonton series in the second round.