Lightning 5, Panthers 1
Steven Stamkos recorded two goals and an assist and Mathieu Garon made 24 saves as the Tampa Bay Lightning cruised to a 5-1 victory over the visiting Florida Panthers on Saturday.
Marty St. Louis scored his 300th goal in a Lightning uniform 2:07 into the game, sweeping in a cross-crease pass from rookie Brett Connolly. Only Vincent Lecavalier (361) has more for Tampa Bay.
Tom Pyatt had his first goal with the Lightning. He, Stamkos and Ryan Malone scored in a 6:46 span in the second period as the Lightning extended its lead to 4-0 and swept the home-and-home series with the Panthers.
Stamkos' goal beat Florida in overtime 2-1 Friday.
Garon won his second game in two nights after going a month without a victory, making 20 of his saves in the first two periods.
It was the first time in five meetings this season Tampa Bay scored first against Florida. The Lightning has a win in a shootout, overtime and regulation against the Panthers and has gained seven of a possible 10 points.
The Lightning, who gave up five power-play goals to Florida the last time the Panthers visited, killed all six penalties Saturday.
Shawn Matthias broke up the shutout with 2:17 left.