The last thing Cory Conacher did before Tuesday night's game was make sure his skates were laced correctly.

The Lightning's rookie left wing is superstitious that way, especially after a morning skate during which he fell twice after lacing up incorrectly.

"It was almost like I didn't know how to skate," Conacher said. "It was weird."

Things were back to normal during Tampa Bay's 5-2 victory over the Panthers at the Tampa Bay Times Forum as Conacher had a highlight-reel goal, another wiped out by a penalty, an assist and generally was all over the ice.

"He is incredibly fast," teammate B.J. Crombeen said. "It's just not speed. He's very smart. He plays hard and competes."