After Stamkos scored a power-play goal on the Lightning’s first shot at 5:06 of the first, the Devils scored four straight goals — Kovalchuk (7:59), Rolston (9:19), Elias (11:44) and Zajac (15:54) — to take a 4-1 lead after the opening period.
“It’s unacceptable for us to get behind by that much,” Stamkos said.
Zajac’s short-handed effort gave New Jersey its 80th goal this season, with nine coming in two periods against Tampa Bay. The Devils scored five times during the third period in their previous game Sunday, a 6-3 win over the Lightning.
“I think for the most part we frustrated them,” Zajac said. “We have to continue to play like that if we want to win games.”
New Jersey has won consecutive games just two times this season.
St. Louis cut the deficit to 4-2 when he lifted a backhander over Brodeur during a breakaway with 5:05 left in the second.
Stamkos assisted on St. Louis’ goal for his 200th NHL point, coming in his 206th game.
Kovalchuk extended the New Jersey advantage to 5-2 at 13:40 of the third.