TAMPA, Fla., May 3 (UPI) -- Steven Stamkos and Ryan Malone scored 24 seconds apart Tuesday, powering Tampa Bay to a 4-3 win over Washington and a 3-0 conference semifinal series lead.
Trailing 3-2 entering the final frame, the Lightning scored two quick goals early in the period to stun the Capitals.
Victor Hedman stripped the puck from a Washington forward to keep it in the Caps' zone and found Stamkos, who cruised into the high slot and unleashed a wrist shot that beat Michal Neuvirth to the short side 5:23 into the third.
Only 24 seconds later, Malone notched the eventual game-winner when a pass from Nate Thompson bounced off the skate of Washington defenseman John Carlson, then off his own blade, and into the net.
Sean Bergenheim and Vincent Lecavalier also scored and Dwayne Roloson made 29 saves for the fifth-seeded Bolts, who will try to eliminate the top-seeded Capitals in Wednesday's Game 4.
Mike Knuble, Carlson and Alex Ovechkin found the net for Washington.
Neuvirth ended with 26 saves.
