Lightning open up with win against Caps

Tampa, FLA-- The Tampa Bay Lightning start the season off right with a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals.

Jan, 19 2013

Tampa, FLA-- The Tampa Bay Lightning start the season off right with a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals.

After months of negotiation during a prolonged and tedious lockout, the NHL season officially started, and it couldn't have begun better for the Lightning. Led by 38 year old team captain, Martin St Louis and the reliable defenseman, Eric Brewer, each scoring two goals, Tampa Bay was able to come up with a decisive 6-3 victory Saturday night at the Times Forum. Vinny Lecavlier and Cory Conacher also scored goals, with one being assisted by St Louis. 2011-2012 leading scorer, Steven Stamkos picked up two assists, and Teddy Purcell added another three.

While Tampa Bay was able to shut down former MVP Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals were able to make it a game up until the final period. Joel Wark scored twice and Wojtek Wolski also had a goal for the Capitals, as the game went from 1-1 to 2-2 to 3-3, before Tampa Bay was able to capitalize on power plays in the final period. With just under five minutes to play, Tampa went up on Marty St Louis' 5-3 power play goal that kicked the doors open for two more goals to finish the game.

Although NHL teams had only one week of formal preseason work before ending the four month long lockout, the Lightning appeared to be on top of their game, fulfilling coach Guy Boucher's plan for game one. "I really believe in game shape and chemistry, we focused so much on it," Boucher said. "You could feel it at the end of the second period. I really believe that was the difference." Steven Stamkos was also quoted saying, "We emphasized that we wanted to start the year quick in a shortened season, and we were able to do that."

The Lightnings next game will be in New York against the Islanders at 1pm, Monday, Jan, 21st.