An inexplicable gap in intensity to start the game was the difference Thursday as the New York Rangers scored a 4-1 win over the Lightning. Tampa Bay fell below the .500 mark with the defeat.

Considering it was the start of a critical four-game road trip the Lightning looked like they didn't much feel like putting out an effort in the first period. Meanwhile New York buzzed the Bolts' goal and took a 2-0 lead on scores by Carl Hagelin and Derek Stepan within a 90-second span.

But despite getting outshot 20-3 the Lightning only trailed 2-1 thanks to a goal late in the period by Martin St. Louis, who deflected in an Eric Brewer shot.

Tampa Bay again was outplayed in the middle period and New York took a 3-1 lead on Marc Staal's power-play goal with about four minutes remaining. Mathieu Garon, who was sensational on the night, made two good saves before Staal poked in the puck around him.

Rick Nash had 12 shots and was finally rewarded with a goal with 1:33 remaining. The Lightning played a much stronger third period but Henrik Lundqvist was up to the task making 14 of his 24 saves.

Garon finished with 38 saves.

Tampa Bay is at Boston Saturday afternoon.