Panthers Win First Home-and-Home Game Against Lightning – Hockey Writers – NHL News

The Florida Panthers took down the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 in Tampa to take the first game of a home-and-home series on back-to-back days. The Panthers turned the tables on the Lightning's power play in the second half, which made a big difference in the game.

The Panthers' penalty kill unit was the difference maker in this game, both defensively and offensively.

Separation

Sam Reinhart opened the scoring for the Panthers 15:51 into the first period with a power play goal. However, the Lightning were able to respond in the final seconds before the break with a goal by Nick Paul. The first half was about 1 goal and 10 shots apiece.

Panthers defenseman Uvis Balinskis was called for interfering with Paul in the second half to put the Lightning on the power play. Unyazi didn't know it would be a two-minute nightmare.

AJ Greer scored shorthanded to bring Florida back. But before the end of the tight game, the Panthers got back on the board with a goal by Eetu Luostarinen. With the benefit of the man, the Sky Lightning suddenly found itself going down in pairs.

Early in the third period, Brayden Point tricked Panthers goalie Spencer Knight to pull the Lightning back within one. Reinhart hit an empty netter for the second time of the game to cap the scoring. He started and scored a goal and finished it.

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Knight made 19 of 25 saves (.905) on the night. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy made 22 of 25 saves (.880). He conceded three goals despite being perfect when the game was firmly tied.

The Panthers were 1-for-2 on the power play, while the Lightning went 0-for-3. Losing during chance play will get you out.

Both teams meet again on Monday night – less than 24 hours later – down at Sunrise for a rematch. Puck drop is set for 7pm EST.