Tampa Bay has a history of starting slowly in playoff series.
That’s bad news for the Penguins, because the Lightning still was good enough to win Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final, 3-1, at Consol Energy Center tonight.
And to do it despite losing No. 1 goalie Ben Bishop to an undisclosed injury in the 13th minute of play.
The victory was just Tampa Bay’s fourth in 10 all-time Games 1 on the road, and improved the Lightning’s overall record in series-openers to 8-12.
Game 2 will be Monday at 8:10 p.m. at Consol Energy Center.