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Lightning look to end losing streak against Panthers

Nov 5, 2007 - 3:17 PM Tampa Bay (5-7-1) at Florida (6-8-0) 7:30 pm EST

SUNRISE, Florida (Ticker) -- Vincent Lecavalier and the Tampa Bay Lightning will look to reverse their recent funk against an in-state foe.

The slumping Lightning hope to avoid their longest losing streak in nearly two years when they visit the Florida Panthers in a Southeast Division clash Monday.

Despite receiving another productive outing from Lecavalier, Tampa Bay squandered a three-goal lead Saturday in a 6-4 loss to the Atlanta Thrashers.

It was the fifth consecutive defeat for the Lightning, who are mired in their longest losing streak since a six-game skid from November 1-11, 2005.

Lecavalier and Martin St. Louis each registered three assists while defenseman Shane O'Brien tallied twice for Tampa Bay, which owned a 4-1 lead with five minutes remaining in the second period.

It was the sixth multi-point game this season for Lecavalier, who leads the Lightning with 16 points this season.

Defense has been the primary problem of late for the Lightning, who have yielded a total of 23 goals during their current skid. They figure to be hard-pressed to improve that number Monday against a Panthers club which has won four of its last five home games.

Florida also struggled defensively Saturday, allowing a pair of power-play goals in a 4-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Tomas Vokoun made 36 saves while Richard Zednik and defenseman Jay Bouwmeester both tallied for the Panthers, who were outshot, 40-24.

The Lightning and Panthers split a home-and-home series three weeks ago, with each team defending its home ice.