Panthers Ground Lightning

Lightning roster

"There was a lot of intensity out there," said Florida coach Terry Murray. "I think it was the kind of game we needed, I really do."

Panthers were shut out for two periods before scoring all four goals in the third period where things got ugly with two big fights involving ten players.

"We proved a point," Florida left wing Peter Worrell said. "Their fans were going crazy, it looked like they were going to win the game. We knew we were going to come back."

Tampa Bay coach blamed Lightning goaltender Dan Cloutier for the loss. Tampa Bay has lost six straight.

"We can't play any better than that," Lightning coach Steve Ludzik said. "Cloutier has got to start answering some questions for us to be honest with you. We dominate a hockey game and he's got to start coming up with some saves for us."

The Panthers, who have been struggling lately, won their first game this season when trailing after two periods.

"It was the kind of third period that I think can really help to bring us together," Murray said.