Tampa, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Ben Bishop stopped 23 shots for his fifth shutout of the season to help the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils.
Michael Kostka posted a goal and an assist while B.J. Crombeen and Nate Thompson also scored for the Lightning, who have won their past two.
"I just try to play solid defensively when I'm on the ice," said Kostka. "But it's nice to be able to chip in with a goal when I have the chance."
Martin Brodeur turned away 29 shots for the Devils, who have lost their past two contests.
"We have to move on and try to win some games," said Brodeur. "If we lose much more we're going to have to rely on other teams and that's not something you want to happen."
After a scoreless first period, J.T. Brown was awarded a penalty shot at 11:19 of the second when he was tripped by Jon Merrill on a break, but Brodeur turned aside the wrister.
Tampa did score, though, just over a minute later when Kostka's shot from the high slot was tipped down into the net by Crombeen for his third of the season.
It was a 2-0 game at 16:58 when Kostka finished off a crisp passing play with a quick backhand down low past Brodeur for his fourth of the season.
Thompson sealed the win with 3:19 to play after Brown rushed down the left wing and slid a pass to the front where Thompson got a stick on it for his ninth of the season.
Game Notes
Bishop has eight career shutouts ... Tampa hosts Vancouver on Monday ... New Jersey hosts Boston on Tuesday ... Neither side scored on the power play as Tampa had one and New Jersey two.
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