Bolts take advantage of defensive lapses to steadily build lead.
The Lightning are fighting both to secure a playoff berth and for top spot in the Atlantic Division. As such, they came out of the gate with the poise and focus of the defending conference champions they are, taking the first lead of the night on Mike Blunden’s third goal of the season at 7:34 of the first period, adding to it nearly seven minutes later when Ondrej Palat netted his 15th of the year, then extending the lead to three goals on Victor Hedman’s marker at 6:38 of the second frame.