Lightning Remain Unbeaten at Home With 6-4 Victory Over Jets

Lightning Break Game Open With Four Goal Second Period

The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their dominant start on home ice Thursday night, defeating the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 behind a career-best four-point performance from Pontus Holmberg. Holmberg scored a goal and recorded three assists, while Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each contributed a goal and two assists as Tampa Bay improved to 6-0 at home to tie a franchise record for the best start to a season on home ice.

Brayden Point, John Carlson and Conor Geekie also scored for the Lightning, who received 17 saves from goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. Tampa Bay broke the game open with four goals in the second period before holding off a late Winnipeg rally to secure its latest victory.

Neil Pionk scored twice for the Jets in his 600th career NHL game, while Kyle Connor and Dylan Samberg also found the net. Mark Scheifele recorded three assists, but Winnipeg extended its winless streak to seven games at 0-5-2, including three consecutive regulation losses since trading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey. The Jets’ last victory came on Oct. 13.

Tampa Bay Takes Control

After Point and Pionk traded goals in the opening period, Tampa Bay seized control with a four-goal outburst in the second, including three goals in the final 4:04. Geekie put the Lightning ahead when he backhanded a pass from Dominic James into the net at 9:43. Cirelli extended the lead with a power-play goal at 15:56, getting his stick on a cross crease pass from Holmberg to make it 2-1.

Carlson increased Tampa Bay’s advantage at 18:07, one-timing Holmberg’s pass from the left faceoff dot past Winnipeg goaltender Stuart Skinner. Hagel capped the explosive period with a tap in at the back post off a pass from Cirelli with just 56 seconds remaining, sending the Lightning into the third period with a commanding lead.

The four-goal period showcased Tampa Bay’s offensive depth, with Holmberg playing a central role in the team’s surge. His four-point night marked a new career high and helped the Lightning establish a cushion that would prove crucial during Winnipeg’s late push.

Jets Rally in Third Period Before Holmberg Seals Victory

Winnipeg refused to go quietly, scoring twice in less than two minutes early in the third period to cut into Tampa Bay’s lead. Samberg redirected a pass from Cole Perfetti with one hand at 7:00, bringing the Jets closer.

Pionk followed at 8:50 with his second goal of the night, with Dawson Mercer recording his first point with Winnipeg on the play. Connor then scored with 2:49 remaining, pulling the Jets within one goal and putting pressure on the Lightning to protect their advantage. However, Holmberg ended Winnipeg’s comeback hopes by scoring into the empty net with 1:33 left, completing his career night and securing the 6-4 victory.

Goaltending Changes for Winnipeg

Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots before being replaced by Nico Daws to start the third period. Daws made nine saves in his Winnipeg debut, but the Jets could not overcome the deficit created during their difficult second period. Vasilevskiy finished with 17 saves for Tampa Bay as the Lightning weathered Winnipeg’s late offensive push to preserve their perfect home record.

Up Coming NHL Games for Jets and Lightning

The Jets will look to end their seven game winless streak when they visit the Florida Panthers on Friday. Winnipeg will need a more consistent defensive performance to get back on track after surrendering six goals to Tampa Bay.

The Lightning will take their 6-0 home record and strong offensive momentum on the road Saturday when they face the Nashville Predators. With Holmberg delivering a career best performance and contributions coming from throughout the lineup, Tampa Bay continues to establish itself as a formidable opponent early in the season.