Lightning 5, Hurricanes 2
Steven Stamkos recorded his fifth career hat trick and Martin St. Louis had three assists, including the 500th of his career, as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the visiting Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Saturday.
Stamkos’ third goal, a rocket from the left circle on the power play 43 seconds into the third period, gave Tampa Bay the lead for good at 3-2. Teddy Purcell split the Carolina defense at the blue line and scored 22 seconds later as the Lightning improved to 5-1-1 in their last seven.
It was Stamkos’ second hat trick and sixth multi-goal game of the season – two in the last three games. He leads the league with 26 goals.
Steve Downie (one goal, two assists) and Ryan Malone (three assists) each had their first three-point games of the season for the Lightning.
Goalie Mathieu Garon made 24 saves, improving to 7-2 at home, as the Lightning gained their first three-game win streak since Nov. 9.
Eric Staal, playing in his 600th career game, had assists on power-play goals by defensemen Justin Faulk and Jay Harrison in the first two periods for the Hurricanes. Carolina forward Tuomo Ruutu played his 500th game.
A statue of Hall of Fame player and founder of the Lightning Phil Esposito was unveiled in the plaza outside the arena before the game.