Lightning stay hot with win over Panthers

Tampa, FLA--- Tampa Bay continues win streak 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers The fast start for the Tampa Bay Lightning was not about to change going into Tuesday night’s game against their in-state rivals.

Lightning stay hot with win over Panthers

Jan 29 2013

Tampa, FLA--- Tampa Bay continues win streak 5-2 win over the Florida Panthers

The fast start for the Tampa Bay Lightning was not about to change going into

Tuesday night’s game against their in-state rivals. The Lightning have now won five

of six this season, and this particular win coming in a decisive fashion. Like Sunday

night’s 5-1 blowout against Philadelphia, the Lightning were able to start fast, and

close early leaving the Panthers virtually no shot at getting back into the game.

Steven Stamkos opened the scoring up on a power play goal from St. Louis and

Lecavlier’s assist in the opening period. Florida was able to tie the game 15 seconds

later, however Tampa Bay stayed on the offense as Cory Conacher scored less than

two minutes later to put them back on top. Conacher added to his point total with

seven, as Stamkos is now at 11 with four goals. The Lightning were not finished

however, outscoring Florida 2-0 in the second period with a goal from Tom Pyatt,

along with another Dana Tyrell goal assisted by Pyatt. The game was 4-1 after the

second before Vinny Lecavlier continued on his great season thus far with another

Lightning power play goal. Goaltending was once again great as Lindback saved 26.

Although Florida was able to get a shorthanded goal shortly there after, the game

was too far out of reach as the Lightning stayed hot with a 5-2 win.

While it seems the Lightning are at full strength, members of the team will tell

you that they’re not playing to their full potential just yet. As Cory Conacher put it,

“There’s still a lot left in us. We can’t get too over our heads right now because it’s

the first six games of the season and teams are still getting used to the speed of the

game.” Either way, it has been exciting so far, as the Tampa Bay Times forum has

sold out every game.

The Lightning play next at home against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday, 7:30pm.