Oct 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie
Evgeni Nabokov(20) defends the shot of New Jersey Devils right wing
Michael Ryder(17) during the first period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Lightning’s season opening home stand ended in disappointment.
After picking up five points in their first three games, the Lightning suffered their first regulation loss Tuesday night 2-1 to the New Jersey Devils.
Mike Cammalleri scored the game-winner on the power play with 8:21 left in the third period after Steven Stamkos had been assessed a hooking minor.
After Lightning (2-1-1) goalie Evgeni Nabokov, who was making his first start of the season, stopped Patrick Elias’ initial shot, Cammalleri tapped home the rebound for his fourth goal of the season.
The Bolts had tied the game just 2:20 earlier when Alex Killorn slotted home his first goal of the season from close range after great work by Tyler Johnson, who danced around Devils (3-0-0) captain Bryce Salvador before feeding Killorn who went five-hole on Corey Schneider.
After a scoreless first period, Devils forward Travis Zajac broke the deadlock at 7:38 of the second period when he finally managed to beat Nabokov who had saved Zajac’s first two attempts on goal.
The Lightning thought they had taken an early lead in the first when Nikita Kucherov‘s wraparound snuck past the goal line. However, after a long review, it was deemed the puck never crossed the line.
A few minutes later Nabokov made an outstanding paddle save to deny Michael Ryder who had a gaping goal to aim at as he slid across the crease.
Cammalleri’s goal was the first power play goal the Lightning had conceded all season. The Bolts went 0-for-4 with the man advantage and outshot the Devils 27-25. Nabokov made 23 saves.
The Lightning has the next three days off before beginning a five-game road trip in Vancouver Saturday night.