Stamkos scores 2, lifts Lightning over Islanders

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(AP) Steven Stamkos scored twice to tie the Lightning record with 52 goals this season, and Tampa Bay beat the New York Islanders 4-3 on Saturday night.

Stamkos gave the Lightning a 2-0 lead with his second of the night and tied Vincent Lecavalier’s club record 1:46 into the second. Stamkos also assisted on Tim Wallace’s goal that gave Tampa Bay a 4-3 edge at 12:10 of the third.

Matt Moulson netted his 33rd goal to put the Islanders ahead 3-2 just 43 seconds into the third, but Tampa Bay tied it on Tom Pyatt’s goal at 9:08.

Frans Nielsen and Kyle Okposo also scored for the Islanders.

Stamkos gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead when he beat goalie Al Montoya with a backhander from just outside the crease 15:49 in. The NHL goal leader hadn’t scored in four games, dating to his 50th of the season on March 13 against Boston.

Nielsen got the Islanders within 2-1 by scoring a power-play goal at 8:15 of the second. Okposo had his shot during a breakaway stopped by former Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson, and John Tavares hit the post later in the period.

Okposo, who skated off gingerly after landing awkwardly following his breakaway, tied it at 2 with a low-slot backhander with 36 seconds left in the second.

Tavares had two in-close shots stopped by Roloson in the opening minute of the game. Montoya turned aside two other good scoring chances by Stamkos during the first period.

New York defenseman Mark Streit extended his point streak to six games when he assisted on Moulson’s 100th NHL goal. Moulson scored after Streit’s unsuccessful wraparound attempt.

Streit has seven assists and eight points during his spurt.

NOTES: Stamkos has nine goals and 17 points in 16 games against the Islanders. ... Tavares had an assist, giving him six assists and 11 points in his last seven games. ... Roloson played in his 600th NHL game. ... Teddy Purcell and Martin St. Louis assisted on both of Stamkos’ goals.