Jets 4, Lightning 3
JETS 4, LIGHTNING 3: Captain Andrew Ladd recorded a goal and two assists as Winnipeg took over first place in the Southeast Division with a victory over visiting Tampa Bay on Thursday.
Evander Kane and Dustin Byfuglien, who also had an assist, scored power-play goals 1:12 apart early in the second period to give the Jets a 4-0 lead. The Jets had converted seven straight times with the man advantage before coming up empty on a chance late in the game.
Steven Stamkos scored his league-leading 43rd goal with 9:00 left in the game to break up the shutout. Teddy Purcell and Martin St. Louis added goals in the final minute for the Lightning.
Ladd, stationed in the slot, knocked home a slick pass from Bryan Little 7:11 into the game for a 1-0 lead for his fourth goal in three games. Tanner Glass made it 2-0 after a battle in front of the Lightning net at 14:59.
Blake Wheeler pitched in with two assists for Winnipeg, which is 3-0-1 halfway through an eight-game home stand.
Lightning starter Mathieu Garon was replaced by Dwayne Roloson after making 14 saves on 18 shots.
GAME NOTEBOOK: The Lightning claimed forward Tim Wallace on waivers from the New York Islanders Thursday, but did not play. … Winnipeg has beaten Tampa Bay three straight after the franchise dropped 12 consecutive to the Lightning. … The Jets tied the New York Rangers and Washington Capitals for the most home wins in the Eastern Conference (19).