Even though the Lightning mustered only three shots on goal in the first period, they scored on two of the shots. Vinny Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis scored and linemate Alex Killorn assisted on both goals. (Photo/Susan Ferlita)
The opening period was dominated by the Panthers as they carried the play and outshot the Bolts 15-3. Florida went scoreless in the period despite having three power plays.
Kris Versteeg scored 13 seconds into the second period, pulling the Panthers to within one. Later in the period, the Panthers Jack Skille stole the puck from Nate Thompson behind the Lightning net and dished to Tomas Kopecky who beat Anders Lindback to tie the game at two.
The second period ended with Florida outshooting Tampa Bay in the game 30-6.
Steven Stamkos netted the go ahead goal, his 20th of the season at 5:30 of the third period from Teddy Purcell. Stamkos beat Jacob Markstrom from an almost impossible angle down on the end line, during a Bolts power play.
The third period went back and forth with goalie Anders Lindback making a huge save on a Shawn Matthias breakaway to preserve the 3-2 win.
Although the Bolts won, they were severely outshot 39-13.
Anders Lindback was outstanding with 37 saves.
Lightning rookie Alex Killorn has ten points in his first 16 NHL games and was by far, the best player on the ice tonight.
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