Author: Ashley Suter

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Nick Paul had a goal and two assists to lead the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-3 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Jake Guentzel, Luke Glendening, Brayden Point and Mitchell Chaffee also scored for Tampa Bay, which has won five of six. Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 28 saves. Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger and Mikael Pyyhtia scored for the Blue Jackets. Jet Greaves made 27 saves for Columbus, which has one win in its past nine games. The Lightning pulled away in the second period, scoring three times. Paul had the first goal and assisted on the next two.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Steven Stamkos has received a warm welcome in his return to Tampa Bay with the Nashville Predators. Stamkos spent his first 16 NHL seasons with the Lightning before signing a $32 million, four-year contract with the Predators in free agency. The 34-year-old Stamkos was honored at the first media timeout in his return to Amalie Arena. The Lightning showed a 90-second video featuring highlights from Stamkos’ career, including lifting the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021. Stamkos then took a lap around the ice, waving his stick in recognition of the standing ovation from the sellout crowd of 19,092.

The Tampa Bay Lightning donated tickets to hundreds of first responders, other recovery workers, and their families following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Milton.