Lightning Tie Home Opener Record with 6-4 Win Over Jets

The Tampa Bay Lightning matched their franchise record for consecutive home wins to open a season on Thursday night. They defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 at Amalie Arena, extending their home record to 6-0.

Pontus Holmberg led the Lightning with a career-high four points. He scored once and recorded three assists. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each contributed a goal and two assists. Brayden Point, John Carlson, and Conor Geekie also scored for Tampa Bay.

The Lightning built a large lead during the second period. They scored four goals in that frame, including three in the final four minutes and four seconds. Conor Geekie backhanded a pass from Dominic James at 9:43 to open the scoring burst. Anthony Cirelli added a power-play goal at 15:56. John Carlson one-timed a pass from Holmberg to make it 4-1 at 18:07. Brandon Hagel scored a tap-in from Cirelli with 56 seconds remaining in the period.

Winnipeg struggled to contain the run. Stuart Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots before being pulled. Nico Daws replaced him to start the third period. Daws recorded nine saves in his debut for the Jets.

The Jets cut the deficit in the third period. Kyle Connor and Dylan Samberg scored, while Neil Pionk added his second goal of the game. Mark Scheifffle provided three assists for Winnipeg. Connor’s goal with 2:49 left made it a one-goal game, but Holmberg sealed the result with an empty-netter with 1:33 remaining.

This victory keeps the Lightning unbeaten at home this season. They now tie the franchise record for the best start to a season at home. The Jets have not won in regulation in their last three games. They are 0-5-2 in their last seven contests.

Winnipeg’s last win came on Oct. 13. The team has been winless since trading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey. The Jets play the Florida Panthers on Friday. The Lightning travel to Nashville on Saturday.