Lightning 5, Hurricanes 1
Vincent Lecavalier batted home a rebound from beside the net on a 5-on-3 power play with 2:10 left in the second period to give the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning the lead for good in a 5-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday in the opener for both teams.
Marty St. Louis, who assisted on Lecavalier’s goal, had tied the game 1-1 on a rebound 5:19 into the second period for his 299th career goal. Steven Stamkos had two assists on the night.
Steve Downie, on a power play, and Adam Hall scored 10 seconds apart in the third period to seal it for the Lightning, who are 11-6-2 in season openers. Ryan Malone also added a goal for his 300th career point.
Dwayne Roloson was sharp, making 15 of his 32 saves in the first period, and the Lightning killed all five Carolina power-play opportunities.
Carolina rookie defenseman Justin Faulk was called for interference and Jussi Jokinen went off for unsportsmanlike conduct after he backhanded the puck toward an official at 17:31 of the second, leading to Lecavalier’s goal.
Jeff Skinner gave Carolina a 1-0 lead 8:07 into the game.
Lightning defenseman Brett Clark played his 600th career game.