The Tampa Bay Lightning got on the board first when Michael Angelidis, who was recalled from the Norfolk Admirals, scored an unassisted goal at 13:20 of the first period. Angelidis' goal came after he forced a turnover and crashed the net, putting the puck passed Blue Jackets net minder, Curtis Sanford.

It wasn't too long before Columbus tied up the game when Brett Lebda had a great top shelf shot that went passed Mathieu Garon's left shoulder at 15:07.

The Lightning played rather sloppy in the first period although it outshot the Blue Jackets 12-5. Most of the shots generated weren't of high quality and were easily saved by Sanford. Tampa Bay did show some promise on its only power play in the period, but failed to capitalize on the man advantage.