UNIONDALE, N.Y., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Radek Martinek snapped a tie 3:19 in the third period Tuesday as the New York Islanders struck for five unanswered goals and
a 5-2 victory over Tampa Bay.
The Islanders won consecutive games for the first time since a three-game run from Nov. 1-6. The key to the win was a decision to move rookie Trent Hunter from the fourth line to a unit with captain Michael Peca and Shawn Bates.
After the Lightning built a 2-0 lead on goals by defenseman Pavel Kubina and Ruslan Fedotenko in a span of over four minutes midway through the second, Coach Steve Stirling formed the line, which contributed to New York's first three goals.
The Islanders began their comeback as Hunter scored his second in as many games following a seven-game drought with 4:26 remaining. A pass by Hunter deflected off Bates' stick and knotted the game.
