Bolts regain first place in Southeast, use hge third period to blow Hurricanes away 5-2

The first and second periods have been decent periods for the Bolts this season, but the third period is where they come to life. A four goal third period outburst fueled a 5-1 Bolts win Saturday night, their largest single period goal output of the season. Marc Andre Bergeron got the scoring started halwway through the first to make it 1-0 Tampa. The 1-0 score held up through two periods as it looked like we may have a goaltending duel on our hands. Through forty minutes Mahtieu garon had stopped all 23 shots he faced. At 2:11 of the third Benoit Pouliot gave the Bolts a 2-0 lead, seeming to maybe put the game away. But just 53 seconds later, the Canes got on the board and we all of a sudden had a one goal game again with lots of time left. Then, Lightning struck in a big way. ALex Killorn earned his first career NHL goal and just 18 seconds later Tom Pyatt tucked one in and all of a sudden the lead swelled to 4-1. Each team swapped goals late including Stammers 12th of the season for a 5-1 final.

Garon earned his second win of the season, both wins in Carolina, and ended a personal three game losing streak.

The Lightning got 39 shots on net, a great sign for a team somewhat struggling to get shots on net lately.

An incredible note provided by Rick Peckham. The Bolts PK this season is a very respectable 83.9%. However many of the goals allowed on the power play have been of the 5 on 3 variety. When its a mere one man advantage, the Bolts have killed off 41 of the past 42 penalties a staggering 97% success rate.

The Lightning improved to 6-1 this season against southeast division teams.

All is good in Hockey Bay right now as first place is ours again, hopefully for good this time. Pittsburgh tomorrow in a crucial back to back, lets sweep it.

Southeast Standings
1. Tampa Bay Lightning: 19 points
2. Carolina Hurricanes: 17 points
3.  Winnipeg Jets: 15 points
4. Florida Panthers: 14 points
5. Washington Capitals: 13 points