TAMPA — The Lightning did everything they wanted in their first playoff game in nearly a year - expect what they do best.
Tampa Bay dominated Detroit in possession and shots, but lost out in the category that matters the most - on the scoreboard.
The Lightning dropped Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoff series to Detroit 3-2 in front of a sold out crowd of 19,204 at Amalie Arena, despite the Tampa Bay holding a 46-14 shot advantage.
Game 2 is Saturday.
Brian Boyle and Nikita Nesterov scored for Tampa Bay while Ben Bishop made 11 saves to take the loss in his playoff debut.