NHL playoffs Thursday: Penguins eliminate Lightning in Game 7, advance to Stanley Cup Final

The Sharks were lucky to only be down by one heading into the third period, as they were outshot 23-11 through two periods.

San Jose found their legs a bit more in the third, as they controlled more of the pace and saw more time in the offensive zone. It finally paid off on Justin Braun’s goal with 4:05 to play in the third period, as a point shot redirected in off of the post for the 1-1 equalizer.

The game opened up in the second period. Rust scored his first goal at the end of a pretty passing play by the Penguins to earn a 1-0 lead just 1:55 into the frame.

It was Drouin’s fourth goal of the series and 13th point of the playoffs.

Long story short: Ian Cole elbowed Paquette, Paquette responded with punches and all hell broke loose. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan apparently didn’t see Cole’s elbow, because this was his reaction:

So all of it was worth it, because that is the perfect reaction GIF. Thank you, Hockey Twitter gods.

On Thursday evening, half an hour before a decisive Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final in Pittsburgh, Stamkos took warmups and line rushes for the Lightning, all but confirming his return to the lineup.

A few minutes before puck drop, the Lightning made it official: