Fights Spark Tampa Bay Lightning, Who Continue To Create Energy

TAMPA - Scott Sabourin of the Tampa Bay Lightning fights Nick Foligno of the Minnesota Wild at Benchmark International Arena on March 24, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images) NHLI via Getty Images After taking seven of eight points during a trip that saw them travel to Seattle, Vancouver, Edmonton and Calgary, it was not the least surprising the Tampa Bay Lightning had some difficulty in ramping up the emotion early in Tuesday evening’s matchup against the visiting Wild at Benchmark International Arena. A slow start could be expected after not arriving back home until late afternoon Monday following four games that were multiple time zones and as much as 3,000-plus miles away from the friendly confines in downtown Tampa.

“I don’t think we want to use any excuses,” said defenseman Erik Cernak. “Obviously, a hard schedule, hard travel coming from the West Coast. We are not going to blame that.

We are professionals and we have to start a little better. ” The Lightning fell behind the Wild, who entered with 92 points and a 20-9-4 road mark, less than three minutes into the match. As Cernak noted, there are no excuses.

Instead, the Bolts went to work in creating their own energy. Specifically, 40-year-old trade deadline acquisition Corey Perry and journeyman Scott Sabourin dropping the gloves with Michael McCarron and Nick Foligno, respectively. Though the Lightning ultimately fell behind by two, coach Jon Cooper noticed his squad shed the cobwebs and picked up the pace following the first period bouts.