Panthers 7, Lightning 4
Sean Bergenheim celebrated his return to Tampa with a short-handed goal, and Kris Versteeg and Stephen Weiss each scored twice as the Florida Panthers struck for five power-play goals en route to a 7-4 victory in the Lightning’s home opener on Monday.
The six special teams goals are the most in Panthers history.
Versteeg and Weiss, who also had two assists apiece, each restored two-goal leads in the third period as Florida improved to 6-1-1 against Tampa Bay since the start of last season and matched a team record for power-play goals in a game previously set in 1996.
It was the most power-play goals allowed at home in Lightning history and tied for the most in any game.
Bergenheim, who had nine goals with Tampa Bay during the Lightning’s 2011 playoff run to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals, beat Dwayne Roloson with a backhander on a breakaway at 12:17 of the second period to make it 4-2.
The Panthers (3-1-0) have eight power-play goals this season – they had only 35 in 2010-11 when they were last at 13.1 percent. Florida didn't score its eighth power-play goal last season until Dec. 9.
Defenseman Brian Campbell had four assists – he has seven this season – and Jose Theodore made 35 saves to improve to 13-6-2 in his career against the Lightning.
Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier scored for the Lightning (1-3-2), who have lost five straight.
Tampa Bay killed its first 22 penalties this season, but only 7 of 14 since. The Panthers scored two power-play goals in their 3-2 shootout victory over the Lightning on Saturday.
It was the 100th meeting between the Sunshine State rivals. Florida leads 55-35-10.