Including April’s playoffs, the Panthers topped Tampa Bay for the ninth time in 11 games (9-2-0) and improved to 14-0-0 when leading after two periods.

A.J. Greer and Eetu Luostarinen scored short-handed goals 42 seconds apart in the second period to help the Florida Panthers beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Sunday to open a home-and-home series.

The Lightning know their cross-state rival well, so it’s no secret to them that the Panthers apply relentless pressure on the puck, particularly when an opponent tries to enter the offensive zone. Make a mistake,

A.J. Greer and Eetu Luostarinen tallied short-handed goals on the same penalty kill as the visiting Florida Panthers opened a home-and-home series with three special-teams scores, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Sunday.

It’s time to start another chapter of the Sunshine State Showdown. The first game of a home-and-home before the holiday break, the Florida Panthers will battle the cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Sunday at 5 p.