Quick starts were key for the Lightning tonight. They scored the fastest two goals to start a game in the NHL this season, tallying both in the first 1:37. Another quick start in the second provided some insurance, and the Bolts never looked back. They defeated the Blue Jackets by a 6-2 final to get back into the win column and halt Columbus’ win streak at four games.
Battle of Streaking Teams
The Bolts’ eight-game win streak came to a close last night. Tonight, it was their opponent who came in on a win streak. The Columbus Blue Jackets came into tonight having won four straight to claim sole possession of the first wildcard spot in the eastern conference. It was the third and final meeting of the season for these two teams. They had split the first two, although the Lightning did manage points in each one. In a wild game back in November, the Bolts dropped a 7-6 decision in overtime in Columbus. Then, in December, on home ice, the Bolts took down the Jackets by a 5-3 final.
The Lightning looked to get back to their winning ways tonight but would have to do it without the NHL’s player of the week from last week. Andrei Vasilevskiy played last night against the Panthers and with playoffs looming on the horizon, coach Jon Cooper knows he needs to give his star netminder some rest days. Jonas Johansson got the call tonight. Johansson had not started a game since January 28th when the lowly Chicago Blackhawks embarrassed the Bolts at home by a 4-1 score.
Quick Start to Period One
Goals were not easy to come by in Sunrise last night. It took the Lightning until the third period to finally break through. Tonight, it took all of 30 seconds. Emil Lilleberg fired a shot from the point and Mitchell Chaffee was right there to redirect it and tip it in. It was Chaffee’s 12th goal of the season.
Tampa Bay goal!
Scored by Mitchell Chaffee with 19:30 remaining in the 1st period.
Assisted by Emil Lilleberg and Darren Raddysh.
Tampa Bay: 1
Columbus: 0#CBJvsTBL #GoBolts #CBJ pic.twitter.com/HY1TEs4Zqn— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) March 5, 2025
Just over a minute later, the Lightning struck again. Jake Guentzel fed Nikita Kucherov who went in alone and beat Columbus netminder Elvis Merzlikins with a wrister to put the Bolts up 2-0 at 1:37. The two goals in the opening 1:37 were the fastest two goals to start a game in the league this season.
“Kucherov in alone… SCORREEE!!!!!”
Guentz cooks 👨🍳 with the dish to Kuch to double the lead!#CBJvsTBL
🎧: https://t.co/S6Y9Tynk9H
📻: @1025TheBone pic.twitter.com/Wbr4BJjtEz— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) March 5, 2025
The Blue Jackets have a dynamic offense this year and they were not just going to sit back and take a beating. Before the end of the opening period, star defenseman Zach Werenski got his team on the board with an unassisted goal to close the gap to within one.
Another Period, Another Quick Start
The Bolts decided they liked quick starts, so they came out and did it again in the second. This time, it was Jake Guentzel at 1:27. He took a pass from Victor Hedman and zipped it home past Merzlikins to restore the two-goal lead.
“Tipped in by Guentzel!”
Right place, right time for Guentzel to get on the scoreboard!#CBJvsTBL
🎧: https://t.co/S6Y9Tynk9H
📻: @1025TheBone pic.twitter.com/L6z8W5QbBG— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) March 5, 2025
Five minutes later, the Bolts were buzzing in the offensive zone. After moments of sustained pressure, Victor Hedman beat Merzlikins with a slapshot to put Tampa Bay up 4-1.
“Shoots, SCORREEE!!! They kept firing away!”
Hedman fires an absolute rocket! 🚀#CBJvsTBL
🎧: https://t.co/S6Y9Tynk9H
📻: @1025TheBone pic.twitter.com/tnJkNAtq2A— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) March 5, 2025
Quick Start on Power Play Nullified
As we approached the halfway point, the Lightning got the game’s first power play. Mathieu Olivier was assessed a double minor and the Bolts would have a four-minute man advantage. Brayden Point briefly put the Bolts up 5-1, but the Jackets challenged the goal for offside and won. On that same power play, the Lightning then gave up a shorthanded rush. Who else but Zach Werenski? His second of the game pulled Columbus within two at 4-2.
Improved Power Play in Third
The Bolts’ first power play opportunity (in the second period) was one they’d like to forget. No goals of their own in four minutes and they gave one up! They got another chance in the third period and they made this one a little more memorable. Victor Hedman scored his second of the game and 11th of the season to make it 5-2.
“WHAT A BOMB!!! VICTOR HEDMAN!” 💣
Heddy blasts off again for his second of the game!#CBJvsTBL
🎧: https://t.co/S6Y9Tynk9H
📻: @1025TheBone pic.twitter.com/v7ZggfjDCO— Lightning Audio Network (@BoltsRadio) March 5, 2025
The Lightning added an empty netter for good measure with just over two minutes remaining. Jake Guentzel scored his second of the night and 29th of the season to seal this one for the Bolts.
Jonas Johansson got his first win since January 24th as the Lightning rebounded from last night’s loss to get back into the win column. Coach Cooper praised his netminder noting that Vasilevskiy can’t start every game and that Johansson has done a great job when called upon this season.
Three Stars
1- Victor Hedman– 2 goals, 1 assist– 3 points
2- Jake Guentzel– 2 goals, 1 assist– 3 points
3- Zach Werenski– 2 goals
Up Next
The homestand continues as the Buffalo Sabres make their first visit to town this season on Thursday night. Game time is set for 7pm.
