News & Observer | newsobserver.com | 2008 NCAA Men's Bracket

TAMPA — Just when it seemed the Lightning might be breaking away to an easy win, the Canes charged back to take the lead and the win.

Justin Williams and Chad LaRose scored goals in a span of 1:11 to give the slow-starting Canes a 2-2 tie after the first period. Dennis Seidenberg, without a point for nine games, had assists on both goals.

Joni Pitkanen's fourth goal of the season, on a blast from just inside the blue line, pushed the Canes ahead 3-2 at 6:21 of the second. Williams assisted on the goal.

The victory is Carolina's third straight, their first three-game win streak since November.

Ryan Craig gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead. Yes, Craig, who has been a healthy scratch the last five games and had not scored a goal since November -- of 2007, that is.

The Bolts quickly made it 2-0 on Vaclav Prospal's score at 6:41. Prospal tipped in a Vinnie Lecavalier shot from the slot.

On one play in the first period, Tampa Bay goalie Mike Smith charged out of the net to pass the puck, only to have Carolina's Sergei Samsonov pick it off. But Samsonov couldn't get off a clear shot with Smith scambling to get back in the net.

Defenseman Niclas Wallin is on the ice and will play tonight, with Frantisek Kaberle a scratch. Wallin's last game was Dec. 6 against Philadelphia. He's missed 12 games with an ankle injury. ...

Forward Pat Dwyer, recalled today from Albany, will be used on Brandon Sutter's line, with Wade Brookbank again a scratch. ...