NHL: Tampa Bay 6, Toronto 4

Ryan Malone scored two of Tampa Bay’s four first-period goals Thursday and the Lightning held on to defeat Toronto 6-4.

Martin St. Louis registered four points, running his season total to 54, while helping Tampa Bay win for the second time in three games. The Lightning converted 3-of-4 power-play chances and Mike McKenna picked up the win despite allowing four goals on 25 shots.

Tampa Bay built a 4-1 lead after one period on Malone’s two goals and tallies by Mark Recchi and St. Louis.

Toronto closed within 4-3 after two periods, but Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier pushed the Lightning’s advantage back to three goals in the third. Lecavalier scored for the 25th time this season.

Vesa Toskala allowed four goals in just over 16 minutes of the first period and was removed in favor of Curtis Joseph.