Lightning chase Islanders' Varlamov in 1st period of Game 5

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 21: Yanni Gourde #37 of the Tampa Bay Lightning scores a goal past Semyon Varlamov #40 of the New York Islanders during the first period in Game Five of the Stanley Cup Semifinals during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amalie Arena on June 21, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Mike Carlson / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The New York Islanders yanked Semyon Varlamov in the first period of Game 5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning after the netminder allowed three goals on 16 shots.

Rookie Ilya Sorokin replaced the veteran between the pipes.

Islanders head coach Barry Trotz may have been looking for a spark. His club was outshot 19-5 in the opening frame, making it difficult to pin the blame on Varlamov.

Steven Stamkos ripped home a loose puck in the slot for the first tally.

LIGHTNING STRIKE.

Steven Stamkos puts the @TBLightning on the board early in Game 5. #StanleyCup // NBCSN // @peacockTV pic.twitter.com/JPXhS7wFu3
— NHL on NBC Sports (@NHLonNBCSports) June 22, 2021

The second marker deflected off defenseman Andy Greene and went through Varlamov's five-hole.

Pfft, you thought it was over? The @TBLightning won't stop. #StanleyCup

🇺🇸: https://t.co/UGSHbZzqto @NHLonNBCSports
🇨🇦: https://t.co/DmbMZkvNsi @Sportsnet pic.twitter.com/PCIs3cSMsu
— NHL (@NHL) June 22, 2021

The third goal found its way past Varlmaov after a scramble in front.

3-0 FOR @TBLightning! 😳🔥#ItsOn pic.twitter.com/iFpFIuVufw
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) June 22, 2021

The Isles used a goalie tandem throughout the season, and both netminders have seen playoff action. Sorokin played the bulk of Round 1 against the Pittsburgh Penguins and entered Monday with a .936 save percentage and a 2.28 goals-against average over six postseason contests.