Lightning cruise, take 3-0 lead over Panthers

Steven Stamkos scored two goals and Nikita Kucherov had a goal and three assists and the Lightning beat the Panthers 5-1 on Sunday in Tampa, Florida, to move to the brink of another trip to the Eastern Conference finals.

Corey Perry and Erik Cernak also scored, and Andrei Vasilevskiy had 34 saves to help the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions take a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Panthers, who had the NHL’s best record during the regular season.

Game 4 is Monday night at Amalie Arena, where the Lightning have won three of four games this postseason. One more victory will send them to the Eastern Conference final for the sixth time in eight years.

„ Mika Zibanejad had a goal and an assist, Igor Shesterkin stopped 43 shots, and the Rangers beat the Hurricanes 3-1 in Game 3 of the East semifinals. Chris Kreider and Tyler Motte also scored as the host Rangers cut their series deficit to 2-1.

Auto racing: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen reclaimed the F1 points lead as the reigning world champi won the Spanish Grand Prix for his third consecutive victory after Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari broke down while he was comfortably in front. Verstappen overtook Leclerc in the standings and now leads by six points after six races.

College basketball: Michigan coach Juwan Howard declined a Lakers overture for the franchise’s coaching job, electing to remain at his alma mater, where Howard will coach his two sons next season, ESPN reported.

NFL: DE Jadeveon Clowney, 29, agreed to re-sign with the Browns on a one-year contract worth a maximum of $11 million, according to reports.

Soccer: Olivier Giroud scored twice and Rafael Leão had three assists to help AC Milan beat host Sassuolo 3-0 and claim its first Serie A title in 11 years. It was Milan’s 19th Italian league title overall.