Saturday, 4 a.m.
The strategy starts with desperation.
A little later, you sprinkle in some discipline and a bit of determination.
Let's face it. The designers of hockey expect a team to score in an extended five-on-three power play. There is too much ice, and too many weapons, for an outnumbered team to contend with.
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Friday night, the Tampa Bay Lightning managed. Holding onto a two-goal lead, the Bolts killed 1:36 of five-on-three time in a 5-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Lightning gave up only three shots during the disadvantage.
"We were a better team tonight (than in a loss to New York earlier in the week)," said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. "I liked our five-on five game. We had a scary moment there with the extended five on three, but we got through it. It was a well-rounded game and something we needed.
Andrei Vasilevskiy, particularly in the early going, was strong in net as he won his 230th career game.
Steven Stamkos scored twice -- giving him three goals for the season -- to pace the offense. He had seven shots in all.
Also scoring were Corey Perry, Cal Foote and Ross Colton.
The Bolts travel to Pittsburgh for a game tonight at 7:10 p.m.