TAMPA — It was up and down and back and forth. The Lightning led. The Sabres led. The Lightning led. The Sabres led. The Lighting won. The Sabres' winning streak ended at 10 games. Neither team ever had more than a one-goal lead.
"It was kind of like a playoff atmosphere out there," defenseman Dan Girardi said after the Lightning's 5-4 win Thursday at Amalie Arena. "The fans were into it. It was very enjoyable."
Coach Jon Cooper seconded that, saying any hockey fan in the building had to be happy.
Three of those lead changes were in the first period, one of the most exciting periods the Lighting has played all season.