Islanders 5, Lightning 1
John Tavares had two goals and two assists in the first period and the New York Islanders cruised to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday.
Tavares, who came into the game without a point, finished one short of his career high. He had five points at Vancouver on March 16, 2010.
The Islanders, who have won two straight since an opening-night loss, capitalized on Tampa Bay turnovers and porous defensive-zone coverage to take a 4-1 lead after one period.
Tavares was credited with a goal 36 seconds into the game, when the rebound of his shot went into the net off Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman’s glove.
Steven Stamkos tied the game 1-1 on a deflection at 7:10, but P.A. Parenteau’s goal off a nifty pass from Tavares with 1:21 left capped three unanswered goals in the first. Parenteau and Matt Moulson, Tavares’ linemates, each had a goal and an assist.
Al Montoya made 34 saves for New York, which has won seven of its last nine games at home against the Lightning.
Hedman and defense partner Eric Brewer were each minus-3 in the first period. Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson was pulled 6:47 into the second period after surrendering Michael Grabner’s goal.