The Tampa Bay Lightning lead the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 after one period at Consol Energy Center. This game matches the two hottest offensive players in the league, with Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin squaring off. Stamkos has 10 points in the past six games while Malkin has 8 points in the past four games.
After a scoreless ten minutes to start the period, two goals in a matter of 11 seconds quickly put the Bolts on top. Brent Johnson, who got the start in place of Marc-Andre Fleury, was beaten twice in just five first period shots by Tampa Bay. Steve Downie netted both goals for the Bolts, as he took the assists from Teddy Purcell and scored both in a quick shift mid way through the first.
The Penguins cut the lead in half on the power play when Evgeni Malkin rocketed a one-timer past Mathieu Garon for his 31st goal of the season. Malkin set up the power play as well, drawing a hooking penalty on Stamkos that sent the NHL's leading goal-scorer to the box. Kris Letang set up the one-timed blast.
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