Sports

Victor Hedman leads the way with four goals and four assists, as the defense has combined for 11 goals on the season. Lightning blueliners only scored 24 goals last season. "That's a big thing to have, because I think every team is looking to have that kind of a fourth forward on the ice,'' said defenseman Sami Salo, who has seven points. "Everyone plays so well defensively now that you need the defensemen to sort of be that extra forward out there that creates that extra space. And our guys have done a good job of joining the rush and shooting when they have the chance.''