Paul Mara produced the best game of his brief NHL career, recording two goals and two assists to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 5-2 victory over the Washington Capitals. Rookie Sheldon Keefe tallied his first career NHL goal just 18 seconds later, giving Tampa Bay a 5-2 cushion. Mara netted only seven goals in 54 games for the Lightning last season and had just one in Tampa Bay's first 12 contests this season.
Good teams make the breaks go their way.
Mara picked up assists on goals by Wayne Primeau and Mike Johnson, then scored on the power play with 48 seconds remaining in the opening period to make it 3-0. The Lightning have won two straight following a four-game losing streak. Tampa Bay came out strong following Friday's 4-3 overtime victory over the New York Islanders. This team is much better than we have shown and the attitude amongst our guys is changing. The Capitals split their two-game trip to the Sunshine State, defeating Florida on Saturday.