Luke Witkowski's lengthy bout sparks Lightning

Lightning defenseman Luke Witkowski's old-school bout Monday was a 12-rounder by NHL standards, lasting more than a minute.

And Witkowski, 26, certainly felt it after trading blows with Rangers' Tanner Glass. It was the longest fight of his career.

"I was glad to sit in the box for five minutes after that," Witkowski said, smiling.

Quipped Tyler Johnson: "I was tired just watching in on the bench."

The first-period fight provided a spark in the Lightning's 1-0 overtime loss to New York. It was a physical game, but Witkowski set the tone.

"A heck of a fight by him, he's a tough guy," Johnson said. "That really got us going."

Witkowski said Glass had asked him to fight off the faceoff and he gladly…