The two teams offered the TV viewers value for money, in a nail-biter to the match.
There were not many goals, but a lot of attempts and drama.
The New York Islanders, whipped to win, took the lead in the first period via Ryan Pulock.
Tampa Bay equalized in the second, via a well-placed shot from Victor Hedman's club after Icelandic goalkeeper Andrei Vasilevsky released a return in a quick Tampa attack.
The goal was the backcountry's eighth in the playoffs.
The match then went to extra time, and it took one and a half extra time to decide.
Hedman - who toiled and was everywhere on the ice - had a couple of decent chances to decide, and was later named the match's second best player.
After just over 30 minutes of extra time, Tampa's Kevin Shattenkirk failed with a shot in the offensive zone.
Islanders Anders Lee took the chance, ran forward and safely passed to Jordan Eberle, who became the match hero.
The match thus ended 2-1 to the Islanders.
Tampa Bay leads the match series 3-2 in the best of seven.
The winner will face Dallas in the final.