Defense helps Bolts even series against Penguins

TAMPA - The Lightning found a way to stay plugged into the playoffs Monday, thanks in large part to some of their pluggers.

Often, in any team's story of playoff success, the triumphs are not built around the stars or the familiar faces, but rather around those who rarely show up in front of the camera, players who are content to mind their own business while others find the spotlight.

On elimination night at the Forum, those types of behind-the-scenes players took on roles of stars as Tampa Bay knocked off Pittsburgh 4-2. A crowd of 20,309 fans witnessed the Lightning's first home playoff victory since April 16, 2007.

The victory knotted the best-of-seven series at 3. Tampa Bay will attempt to become just the 24th team in league history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit when the teams meet Wednesday in Game 7, with the winner advancing to the second round of the playoffs.

Had it not been for the contributions of some of the team's grinding-style players, however, the Lightning probably would be making summer plans instead of boarding a plane for Pittsburgh this morning.

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