TAMPA (Reuters) - Boston's Mark Recchi netted the game-winner with 20 seconds left to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 and give the Bruins first place in the Northeast Division on Tuesday.
Recchi scored with a wrist-shot on a power-play after Tampa Bay's Martin St Louis had tied the game 3-3 for Tampa Bay midway through the third.
It was the 570th career goal for the 42-year-old Recchi and gave Boston their third straight win.
"It's hockey and he had the puck," Stamkos told reporters. "From my vantage point, I was coming hard on the backcheck, he had the puck, and my left shoulder hit his right shoulder. So, I don't know why it was a penalty."
"He's a competitive player," Recchi said. "He's got a real good niche on our hockey club now. He creates energy."
Michael Ryder put in the opening goal for the Bruins who also got a score from Steven Kampfer, while goaltender Tim Thomas finished with 31 saves.
Vincent Lecavalier also recorded a goal for the Lightning.
Boston had embarrassed Tampa Bay in an 8-1 rout the last time the teams met on Dec 2.
The Bruins (20-11-4) and Lightning (21-11-5) entered the game tied for the lead in their respective divisions, but Boston moved two points in front of Montreal after the Canadiens lost 3-0 to the Southeast Division-leading Washington Capitals.
The Caps now lead Tampa Bay by two points in their division.
(Editing by John O'Brien)
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