Overview
- Tampa Bay jumped to a 4-1 first-period lead, stretched it to 6-2 after two, and closed out an 8-4 win at Prudential Center.
- Oliver Bjorkstrand posted two goals and an assist, while Nikita Kucherov recorded four helpers as seven Lightning skaters had multi-point nights.
- Jacob Markstrom was pulled 7:56 into the game after allowing three goals on seven shots, with coach Sheldon Keefe citing the third goal as an emotional drain before turning to Jake Allen.
- New Jersey surrendered two power-play goals and another during a delayed penalty as its penalty kill sits at 66.7% over 21 games without Brett Pesce.
- Jesper Bratt confirmed a lengthy, candid postgame meeting for the Devils, while Lightning goalie Jonas Johansson made 33 saves as both teams turn to Saturday’s games.