The Columbus Blue Jackets played okay but a tough 44 seconds at the end of the first period set the pace for a blowout score.
1st Period
The Blue Jackets started the game well, playing strong in the defensive end and matching Tampa up and down the ice. The opening 15 minutes or so were fairly lackadaisical before the Lightning struck for two goals just 44 seconds apart in the final minutes of the first period, with Mathieu Joseph lighting the lamp from in front as about four different Blue Jacket defenders were in the area and Brayden Point snuck behind the Jackets backcheck on a rush and put home a deflected puck, giving the Lightning a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes.