Home ice has really seemed to make all the difference with the Bolts this year. They struggle on the road, especially in the first period, but the results within the confines of the St. Pete Times Forum have proven to be much better. Thursday marked their 6th straight win at home, and the team seemed to come out strong and aggressive in front of their fans.
Vinny Lecavalier started the scoring with an unassisted goal off of a Pens turnover in the first period, sneaking a puck through Marc-Andre Fleury's five-hole. In the second, Brett Connolly scored his 4th of the year to put the Lightning up 2-0. It was the first power play goal Fleury has allowed this season. Fleury's secong PPG allowed would come in the thrid period courtesy of Steve Downie, and Lecavalier would add an empty netter to raise the lead to 4. A Pittsburg goal would spoil the shutout, but Dwayne Roloson played a marvelous game, taking away several Penguins chances.
The Bolts clearly have a lot more energy at home in front of Bolts Nation then they do when they are on the road. While that makes sense, the boys have to find a way to bring the same high intensity no matter where the game is played. It's going to be impossible to win the Cup if they can only show this type of effort at the Forum.
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