Lightning win in third period

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Buffalo Sabres 5-3. The game was tied after two periods, but Tampa Bay pulled away in the third to claim a victory.

Tampa Bay has extended their lead in their division to 15 points, while Buffalo sits one point back.

The Lightning took the lead early in the first period, with a goal from Nicholas Paul. Victor Hedman and Brandon Hagel assisted.

The Sabres tied the game 1-1 with a goal from Zemgus Girgensons late into the first, assisted by Owen Power and Tage Thompson.

Brayden Point scored early in the second period, assisted by Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov.

Sabres' Casey Mittelstadt tallied a goal in the second period, making the score 2-2. Owen Power and Kyle Okposo assisted.

Jeff Skinner took the lead early into the third period, assisted by Alex Tuch and Dylan Cozens.

Brandon Hagel tied the game 3-3 three minutes later, assisted by Nikita Kucherov.

Nick Perbix took the lead eight minutes later, assisted by Nikita Kucherov.

The Lightning increased the lead to 5-3 with 55 seconds remaining of the third after a goal from Nikita Kucherov. The 5-3 goal held up as the game winner.

Tampa Bay improves to 7–4–1, while Buffalo drops to 7–5–0.

Buffalo is now in fifth place, while Tampa Bay is in fourth place.

Next games:

Both teams play on Tuesday, with the Lightning hosting the Oilers at 7:30 p.m. at Amalie Arena, and the Sabres playing the Coyotes at 7 p.m. at KeyBank Center.