First nothing happened, then nothing and then ... everything happened in less than half a minute.
11.27 into the second period, Brock Nelson twisted the puck, squirmed past a couple of Tampa players and placed 1-0 for the Islanders.
Fast Tampa goals
The pleasure of playing in the lead lasted for a paltry 15 seconds.
Then Blake Coleman took care of a long pass, turned away Semjon Varlamov and put 1-1.
New technology in the middle zone followed - and then it took only 12 seconds before the puck was again in the box behind Varlamov.
This time after a quick Tampan attack, where Nikita Kutjerov's fine sideways backhand played Ondrej Palat to 2-1.
A crazy turn that put Tampa Bay in the driver's seat before the final period, where Palat and Kucherov assisted to Brayden Points 3-1.
When Pat Maroon diluted to 4-1 with just over two minutes left, the match was definitely decided.
Can decide in the next match
Victor Hedman & Co now leads 3-1 in matches and thus - if necessary - has three chances to reach the Stanley Cup final.
In the second semester, the situation is identical.
Dallas has a 3-1 grip on Vegas.