TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Vincent Lecavalier scored his first two goals in the new NHL season Thursday night as Tampa Bay beat the New Jersey Devils, 3-1.
His second goal broke a 1-1 tie at 16:08 of the third period after assists by Vaclav Prospal and Martin St. Louis.
Prospal added an empty-netter at 19:02 of the third.
St. Louis assisted on all three goals, while Lightning goaltender Johan Holmqvist made 26 saves on 27 News Jersey shots as Tampa Bay won the season-opener for both clubs.
Right wing Brian Gionta scored the lone goal for the Devils, who were unable to win the NHL coaching debut of Coach Brent Sutter.
New Jersey goalie Martin Brodeur allowed two goals on 23 Lightning shots.
On the power play, New Jersey went 1-for-5, while Tampa Bay was 0-for-3.
