Lightning up 3-1 after OT victory

The Lightning have a chance to get the last licks on the Bruins in Florida.

Dan Girardi scored 3:18 into overtime to give Tampa Bay a 4-3 victory in Boston on Friday night in a game that featured more face-licking from Brad Marchand but left the Lightning with a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals as they return to Florida for a potential clincher in Game 5.

“It’s going to be the hardest game of the series, and it always is,” said Tampa Bay wing Ryan Callahan, who was swabbed by Marchand’s tongue in the second period — the second straight opponent to complain about the tactic by the Bruins’ forward.

“It’s unfortunate that he goes that low to do that, but doesn’t take us off our game,” Callahan said. “Hopefully, the league looks at it. I don’t know if there is discipline for spitting in someone’s face, but to me, it’s worse if not the same.”

Tampa Bay jumped ahead 2-0, but Boston answered with three straight goals to break a third-period tie.

Steven Stamkos tied it 3-3 with seven minutes left in regulation after Boston defenseman Charlie McAvoy committed a turnover behind the Bruins’ net after he appeared to be pulled down from behind. Girardi ended it when he got a stick on a pass from Alex Killorn that was deflected off Brian Gionta’s skate in the crease.

Marchand was the talk of the postgame more for his penchant for licking opponents than his play.

Marchand went nose-to-nose with Callahan after a whistle with 1:21 left in the second, then leaned in and tried to lick Callahan’s face. The Lightning forward pushed him away.

“He punched me four times in the face,” Marchand said. “He just kept getting close. Nothing big.”

Stars hire coach: Dallas has hired Jim Montgomery as head coach, replacing Ken Hitchcock. Montgomery was 125-5726 the past five seasons at the University of Denver.