TAMPA (WDAE) -- After seeing a 3-1 third period lead disappear in Washington Friday, the Tampa Bay Lightning looked to return the favor Saturday at home against Carolina, but their comeback fell just short as the Bolts fell 3-2 to the Hurricanes at Amalie Arena.
The Lightning saw the Hurricanes take momentum early in the first period, after a penalty for too many men on the ice gave Carolina a power play, and Sebastien Aho beat Curtis McElhinney for his 13th goal of the year. Jordan Martinook made it 2-0 three minutes later with his first goal of the season, and Jacob Slavin deflected an Aho shot from the blue line in with less than seven seconds left in the first period to push the deficit to 3-0.
The Lightning had plenty of opportunities in the second period, but couldn't convert on either of their two power plays, and Hurricanes goalie James Reimer made a number of big saves to keep the puck out of his net.
Tampa Bay finally got on the board early in the third period, taking advantage of a holding penalty to Jake Gardiner as Brayden Point's crossing feed was deflected past Reimer and in for his tenth goal of the year. Tyler Johnson added a power play goal of his own midway through the period, but the Lightning could not get the equalizer despite having a number of chances late, including nearly two minutes with a 6 on 5 advantage and McElhinney pulled. However, Reimer was up to the task, and Tampa Bay finished the night with their third consecutive loss, all by one goal, to playoff teams.
The Bolts head to Nashville looking to end their losing skid Tuesday against the Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Faceoff is set for 8:00.
SCORING SUMMARY
1st Period
- CAR: GOAL (PP) - Sebastian Aho (13). ASSISTS - Svechnikov, Hamilton. TIME - 4:49.
- CAR: GOAL - Jordan Martinook (1). ASSISTS - Bishop, Slavin. TIME - 7:30.
- CAR: GOAL - Jacob Slavin (3). ASSISTS - Aho, Hamilton. TIME - 19:53.
2nd Period
NONE
3rd Period
- TBL: GOAL (PP) - Brayden Point (10). ASSISTS - Kucherov, Hedman. TIME - 3:26
- TBL: GOAL (PP) - Tyler Johnson (5). ASSISTS - Cirelli, Sergachev. TIME - 8:50