Tom Pyatt and Cory Conacher scored early goals, Ryan Malone added a power-play tally, and Vincent Lecavalier had two assists. The Lightning pulled away with two goals in the third period.

Jeff Skinner scored a power play goal for the Hurricanes, who had their home opener spoiled by Tampa Bay for the second straight season.

Mathieu Garon stopped 35 shots — including all 15 he faced in the third period of his first start this season for the Lightning, who opened the lockout-compressed season with two wins in three games.

Cam Ward made 22 saves, but allowed four goals for the second straight game. The Hurricanes have started a much-anticipated season with two losses and have been outscored by a combined 9-2. Carolina has dropped four straight home openers.