NHL playoff scores 2015: Forsberg scores hat trick as Predators, Canucks stay alive
Elimination will wait another day for Vancouver and Nashville.
Scores
Tampa Bay Lightning 3, Detroit Red Wings 2 (OT) (Series tied 2-2)
Washington Capitals 5, New York Islanders 1 (WAS leads series, 3-2)
Nashville Predators 5, Chicago Blackhawks 2 (CHI leads series, 3-2)
Vancouver Canucks 2, Calgary Flames 1 (CLG leads series, 3-2)
3 things we learned
1. Filip Forsberg made his Calder case
There’s no question that Filip Forsberg probably deserved to be among this year’s Calder Trophy nominees, even if it was a strong year for the rookie class. And if anyone held any lingering doubts, they evaporated watching Forsberg light up the Blackhawks for his first career hat trick on Thursday. The kid is deserving.
2. The Islanders miss their defensemen
Washington ran roughshod over the Islanders all night, and a lot of that had to do with how thin they were on the blue line. With Travis Hamonic and Lubomir Visnovsky out with injuries, goalie Jaroslav Halak got left out to dry often in Game 5. You won't win many playoff games giving up 41 shots.
3. Tyler Johnson is picking up Stamkos' slack
Steven Stamkos is having a miserable playoffs so far, which is surprising considering how talented he is. But great teams have players who can support their stars, and Tyler Johnson exemplified that on Friday. He scored, assisted on the game-tying goal and then ultimately scored the game-winner in overtime to change the outlook of the entire series for Tampa Bay.
Impact moment
As the Senators are learning, a 3-1 deficit is incredibly difficult to climb out of. So the Lightning have to be thankful that Johnson's overtime goal evened the series and gave them a second wind to ride on.
Stat of the night
with four penalty minutes tonight, goalie Ben Bishop is now tied for 33rd among players in the NHL postseason.
— Michael Blinn (@NHLBlinn) April 24, 2015 
