The Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Buffalo Sabres 7-1.

There wasn't much to this. Essentially, on Vincent Lecavalier's third shift of the game, he was assessed a highly questionable penalty - a major for spearing, which comes with an automatic game misconduct and ejection. The team completely collapsed into a heap right after that. During the ensuing five-minute major, Buffalo scored two goals on two shots. Antero Niittymaki was pulled (for having let in a total of three goals on six shots) about halfway through the first period, and that was it. Game over.

The next game is Tuesday, 30 March, at the Columbus Blue Jackets. Game time is 7 pm Eastern.

Lightning vs Sabres coverage [SB Nation]

Die By The Blade [SB Nation Buffalo Sabres site]

Lightning vs Sabres recap [TSN]

Lightning vs Sabres boxscore [TSN]