Facts and Figures: Kucherov lifts Lightning in East Final with late goal

Nikita Kucherov scored the game-winning goal at 19:51 of the third period to help the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat the New York Islanders 2-1 in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday.

It was the third-latest game-winning goal in regulation in a conference final or semifinal game during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Nick Metz scored at 19:55 of the third period for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the New York Rangers in Game 6 of the 1942 NHL Semifinals, and Eric Lindros scored at 19:53 of the third for the Philadelphia Flyers against the Rangers in Game 4 of the 1997 Eastern Conference Final.

Kucherov's game-winning goal also was the second latest in regulation in Lightning postseason history, behind Tyler Johnson's goal at 19:58 of the third period against the Montreal Canadiens in
Game 3 of the 2015 Eastern Conference Second Round
.
The forward has 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 23 games in the conference finals, tied with Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (13 goals, 13 assists in 28 games) and Pittsburgh Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin (12 goals, 14 assists in 27 games) for second among active players. Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane is first with 29 points (10 goals, 19 assists) in 28 games during the conference finals.
The Lightning, who have won six straight playoff games, have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-7 series against the Islanders heading into Game 3 in Edmonton, the hub city for the conference finals and Stanley Cup Final, on Friday (8 p.m. ET; USA, CBC, SN, TVAS).
It's the first time Tampa Bay has led 2-0 in the conference final. The Lightning are 5-0 all-time when leading 2-0 in a best-of-7 series.