TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Steven Stamkos, who co-led the NHL in scoring last year, found the net twice Saturday in the Tampa Bay Lightning's 5-3 victory over Atlanta.
The Lightning celebrated their season and home opener with a win thanks to Stamkos' first two goals of the year. His 51 tallies in 2009-10 tied Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby for the league lead.
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The game also marked Steve Yzerman's debut as the Bolts' general manager and that of Coach Guy Boucher.
The Lightning got scores from Vincent Lecavalier, Steve Downie and Dominic Moore. Mike Smith stopped 27 shots to get the win.
The Thrashers were led by Ben Eager, who notched a goal and an assist.
Chris Thorburn and Tobias Enstrom added a goal each in Atlanta's loss.
