TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-2 on Tuesday night, fueled by a strong offensive performance led by Conor Garland.
Blue Jackets Surge Past Lightning
Garland scored two goals for the second consecutive game, contributing to a decisive victory for Columbus. Kiril Marchenko, Dante Fabbro, and Ivan Provorov likewise found the back of the net for the Blue Jackets.
Tampa Bay initially took the lead when Gage Goncalves scored at 13:38 of the first period, assisted by Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman. However, Columbus quickly responded with goals from Provorov and Garland just 30 seconds apart to seize the advantage.
The Blue Jackets continued to build their lead in the second period with a power-play goal from Marchenko. Despite a goal from Tampa Bay’s J.J. Moser, Columbus maintained control, ultimately sealing the win with an empty-net goal by Fabbro late in the third period.
Columbus goaltender Elvis Merzlikins made 15 saves in the win and also registered his second assist of the season. Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 26 saves.
Looking Ahead
The Lightning have struggled recently, posting a 2-6 record since the Olympic break and only one win in their last seven games. They have allowed 34 goals in their last six games and six power-play goals in the past two. The Lightning will host the Detroit Red Wings on Thursday. The Blue Jackets will continue their road trip with a game against the Florida Panthers on Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals did Conor Garland score in this game?
Conor Garland scored two goals.
What is the Blue Jackets’ record in their last 20 games?
The Blue Jackets have a record of 15-2-3 in their last 20 games.
What is the Lightning’s record since the Olympic break?
The Lightning have a record of 2-6 since the Olympic break.
What factors might contribute to the Lightning’s recent struggles on defense?
