NHL Playoff Game Capsules

Vinny Prospal scored the game-winning goal and Johan Holmqvist made 30 saves as the Tampa Lightning downed the New Jersey Devils, 3-2, and grabbed the series lead in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at St. Pete Times Forum. Vincent Lecavalier continued his hot play in the postseason with a goal and an assist and Martin St. Louis added three helpers for the Lightning, who now hold a two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven series. Brad Richards also added a goal and an assist for Tampa Bay. John Madden and Zach Parise each lit the lamp for the Devils, who have dropped the past two games after a 5-3 victory in Game 1.
Final Score: Buffalo 3, NY Islanders 2
Uniondale, NY - Daniel Briere scored the eventual game- winner in the second period, and the Buffalo Sabres held on for a 3-2 win over the New York Islanders in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals at Nassau Coliseum. Adam Mair and Thomas Vanek also scored for the Sabres, who now have a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven series. Ryan Miller stopped 20 of 22 shots in the victory. Ryan Smythe had a goal and one assist, and Trent Hunter also lit the lamp for the Islanders. Rick DiPietro finished the game with 32 saves.
Final Score: San Jose 3, Nashville 1
San Jose, CA - Ryane Clowe scored the eventual game-winning goal in the second period as the San Jose Sharks defeated the Nashville Predators, 3-1, in Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals at HP Pavilion. Milan Michalek and Patrick Marleau also scored for the Sharks, who hold a two games to one lead in the best of seven series. Evgeni Nabokov finished with 19 saves in the victory. Ryan Suter had the lone tally for the Predators. Nashville played without right wing Alexander Radulov, who was serving a one-game suspension handed down by the NHL on Saturday for checking San Jose forward Steve Bernier from behind 4:44 into the second period of Game 2 on Friday night. Radulov has four points in the series and was tied with J.P. Dumont for the team lead in the playoffs coming into the game.Tomas Vokoun made 38 saves for the Predators. Game 4 of this set is scheduled for Wednesday evening in San Jose.