TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning (16-10-2) will get a chance to avenge their season-opening overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets (12-14-5) when they face off at Amalie Arena on Tuesday, December 17th at 7:00 pm ET.
The Blue Jackets stunned the Lightning back on November 21st with a thrilling 7-6 overtime victory in Columbus.
Nikita Kucherov led the Lightning with three assists, while six different players found the net. Despite the loss, Tampa Bay still holds a strong 33-15-2 record against Columbus all-time, including a dominant 19-5-0 record at home.
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Lightning Keys:
- Offensive Powerhouse: Kucherov currently leads the team in points (46) and assists (32), while Brayden Point sits close behind with 36 points (20 goals, 16 assists).
- Milestone Watch: Several Lightning players are on the cusp of achieving significant milestones. Point needs just one overtime goal to tie Steven Stamkos for the most in franchise history. Cirelli needs one shorthanded goal to become the second-highest scorer in that category for the Lightning.
Columbus sits in eighth place in the Metropolitan Division and has struggled offensively, ranking 23rd in the league in power play percentage. However, they’ll be looking to pull off another upset against the Lightning.
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The Lightning will have a chance to further solidify their position in the Atlantic Division with several upcoming games against divisional opponents. Additionally, several key players are nearing significant career milestones, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming stretch of the season.
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