TAMPA, Fla., April 6 (UPI) -- Jay Bouwmeester had a goal and an assist, Ville Peltonen had three assists and the Florida Panthers beat Tampa Bay, 7-2, Friday night.
The Panthers exploded for four goals in the first period, knocking out Lightning goalie and dashing the Lightning's chances of winning a Southeast Division title.
Ollie Jokinen scored his 38th goal of the season and also had an assist. The Panthers' leading scorer can set a new career record with two points in the team's final regular-season game.
Janis Sprukts and Kamil Kreps each scored their first NHL goals for Florida -- which got goals seven different players. Ed Belfour had 20 saves.
Jason Ward and Nick Tarnasky scored for the Lightning, which had cinched a playoff spot Thursday night when the New York Rangers beat Montreal, 3-1.
The loss leaves the Lightning three points behind Atlanta, with the teams set to square off Saturday in the final regular-season game for both.
