Lightning Crack Panthers

     The Florida Panthers lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Saturday night at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. It was the final preseason game for both teams. 

     The Panthers will open up their 30th season on Thursday night at the Minnesota Wild. The Lightning will host the Nashville Predators on Thursday. 

     Tampa Bay ripped up to a 1-0 lead with a tip-in goal by Tanner Jeannot at the 2:37 mark of the opening frame. Ryan Lomberg tied the contest up 1-1 on a shorthanded goal at 11:34. 

     The Bolts regained the lead 2-1 on a backhand tally by Anthony Cirelli with 2:59 left in the first period. The Panthers answered back just 32 seconds later when Eetu Luostarinen scored on a wrist shot. 

     The Lightning held the Cats off the scoreboard for the rest of the game. Tampa Bay compiled a shorthanded goal by Brandon Hagel with 7:32 remaining in the second period for a 3-2 lead. They made it 4-2 when Brayden Point got a goal on a wrist shot 40 seconds into the third period.