TAMPA, Fla., March 25 (UPI) -- Brad Richards was credited with the go-ahead goal with 4:58 remaining Thursday night as Tampa Bay defeated New Jersey, 2-1.
The Lightning reached the 100-point mark for the first time in team history.
Three weeks ago, New Jersey squandered a lead in the final 10 seconds en route to a 3-2 overtime loss at Tampa Bay.
In this one, the Devils forged a 1-1 tie midway through the third period when Patrik Elias put a wrist shot from the left faceoff circle between the pads of goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin for his 35th goal.
But Richards' centering pass hit the left skate of New Jersey center Viktor Kozlov in front of the net and caromed past goalie Martin Brodeur. It was Richards' 24th goal of the season and second in as many games following a 10-game drought.
Tampa Bay swept the season series for the first time in its 12-year history.
