The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 in front of another sellout crowd at the Tampa Bay Times Forum Saturday night.

Tonight was a step back in time, if not to the wild and crazy beginning of the season, at least as far back as February 23rd, the last time these two teams met. On that night, the Lightning registered a season-high 39 shots on goal with 12 different Bolts notching at least a point in a 5-2 win. Tonight, the Bolts scored more than three goals for the first time in five games and 11 different skaters recorded points. It was also a look to the future as once again, rookies contributed successfully to the outcome, recording a bit of history in the process.

"I thought (Tyler) Johnson, (Ondrej) Palat and (Dana) Tyrell gave us momentum from their first shift. They were everywhere on the ice. We know they have skill. We know they are fast and we know they work hard." - Lightning head coach Guy Boucher

At 10:54, just after the conclusion of the team's first and only power play of the night, Tyler Johnson scored the first goal of the game and the first of his NHL career with helpers from Alex Killorn and Cory Conacher.

"There were a lot of emotions going through me. I felt really good and happy to see it go in. I didn't quite know what to do after. It's something I will always remember and I am pretty fortunate for it to happen" - Tyler Johnson

The first period ended with the Lightning holding a 1-0 edge.

At 6:35 of the second, it was Ondrej Palat making Lightning history, scoring his first NHL goal, marking the first time that Lightning rookies scored their first goal in the same game. Sami Salo and Johnson pitched in with assists.

Nate Thompson got behind the Carolina defense thanks to a great pass from B.J. Crombeen at 12:55 for the Lightning's third goal. Matt Carle provided the secondary assist on the play.

The Lightning found themselves carrying a 3-0 lead into the third.

Teddy Purcell found himself alone on a breakaway on passes from Martin St. Louis and Victor Hedman to run the score to 4-0.

Starting netminder Mathieu Garon's shutout bid came to an end at 6:21 when a turnover gave Eric Staal a breakaway chance, with help from Alexander Semin.

On the night, Garon stopped 21 of the 22 shots that came his way. Justin Peters, his Carolina counterpart, turned away 22 of 26..

"I'm pleased with the result. We've played this way 14 of our last 16 games; we just didn't get the result in those other games." - Boucher





The Lightning's homestand continues Monday night when they'll host the Philadelphia Flyers

Game notes: