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Bolts Head Into Break On A High

The Associated Press

Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, center, works against Tampa Bay Lightning's Paul Ranger and goalie Mike Smith.

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By ERIK ERLENDSSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 24, 2008

PITTSBURGH - Before Tuesday's game, Lightning interim coach Rick Tocchet said he'd like the players to use the upcoming two-day break to reflect on what they have done - or haven't done - in tight games this season.

The players responded even before unwrapping any Christmas presents with a 2-0 victory against Pittsburgh. Mike Smith stopped 15 shots in snapping an 11-game winless streak, while rookie Paul Szczechura enjoyed his first career two-point night to help Tampa Bay pick up just its third victory in 17 games under Tocchet.

"It's a relief," said Smith, who raised both arms into the air and looked up at the domed roof of Mellon Arena when the final buzzer went off. "Guys bailed each other out tonight. All the things that I've talked about in the last little while, we did all those things that we have to do to win games."

The Lightning played a strong road game with a strong forecheck and just as strong of a backcheck. The Penguins, who hadn't been shut out at home since Jan. 18 when the Lightning beat them 3-0 behind Johan Holmqvist, were held to seven shots in the final two periods as Tampa Bay set a season-low with 15 shots allowed.

The two biggest plays of the game came during crunch time within 18 seconds of each other.

With the Lightning clinging to a one-goal lead and on a four-minute power play, Smith stopped Evgeni Malkin, the league's leading scorer, on a short-handed breakaway at 10:56 of the third period.

"I saw Malkin before he got the puck, so I was fortunate to be able to get some ice," Smith said. "I stayed patient and was able to stay with him and fortunately the big biceps I have got in the way."

Tampa Bay quickly transitioned play up ice, where Mark Recchi found Jussi Jokinen across the offensive zone. Jokinen then put a shot on net that Szczechura deflected at 11:14 for his second goal of the season.

"We saw some more urgency tonight from some guys," Tocchet said. "It just seemed like everybody was on the same page and it's nice to be behind the bench when you've got guys all buying into what you are trying to say."

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