TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to start the season with a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights at Amalie Arena on Thursday night.
Despite trailing twice in the game, the Bolts battled back, scoring two goals in the final minutes of the third period to secure the win. Nikita Kucherov played the hero, netting the game-winner with just 55 seconds remaining.
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Moser Shines in Lightning Debut
Defenseman JJ Moser recorded his first three points as a member of the Lightning. He opened the scoring for Tampa Bay in the first period and added two assists in the third. Moser became the first Swiss-born player in Lightning history to score a goal.
Kucherov Ties Franchise Record
Kucherov’s two-goal performance brought his season total to six, tying the franchise record for most goals through the first three games of a season. He also notched the latest go-ahead goal for the Bolts since February 11, 2023.
Vasilevskiy Stays Hot
Andrei Vasilevskiy continued his strong start to the season, earning his third consecutive win. He currently ranks third in the NHL with a .932 save percentage.
Key Moments:
- First Period: Vegas jumped out to an early lead with a goal from Brayden McNabb. Moser tied the game for Tampa Bay before Pavel Dorofeyev regained the lead for Vegas on the power play. Kucherov tied the game again just before the end of the period.
- Second Period: Ivan Barbashev put the Golden Knights back in front early in the second.
- Third Period: Brandon Hagel tied the game for the Lightning with 2:22 remaining, setting the stage for Kucherov’s dramatic game-winner.
Up Next:
The Lightning hit the road for a three-game trip, starting with a matchup against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday afternoon.
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