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Lightning Strikes Late: Kucherov’s Double Seals Victory for Tampa Bay

Kucherov’s Late-Game Brilliance

In an electrifying twist, Nikita Kucherov emerged as the game-changer, netting the decisive goal with less than a minute remaining in the game. This came just a moment after Brandon Hagel’s game-tying effort, catapulting the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-3 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on a thrilling Thursday night showdown. Kucherov, notching his second goal of the game and his sixth of the season with just 55 seconds left on the clock, made a significant impact.

Lightning’s Unbeaten Streak

Janis Moser lent support with a goal and a pair of assists, helping the Lightning maintain their unbeaten record at 3-0-0. Andrei Vasilevskiy contributed 22 crucial saves. Meanwhile, Brayden McNabb, Pavel Dorofeyev, and Ivan Barbashev found the net for Vegas. The Golden Knights’ goaltender, Adin Hill, managed 21 saves in a valiant effort.

Eichel’s Remarkable Run

Jack Eichel, who contributed two assists during the game, has amassed 10 points this season in just five games, hitting double digits faster than any player in Vegas history. Eichel, a U.S.-born player, is the 10th to achieve this feat.

Key Moments

After Barbashev gave Vegas a 3-2 lead early in the second period, Hagel’s equalizer for Tampa Bay came with just 2:22 left in the third. Kucherov had earlier tied the game at 2 on a two-on-one with just 12.8 seconds remaining in the first period.

Notable Line Performances

For the Golden Knights, the line of Eichel, Barbashev, and Mark Stone has been sensational, combining for eight goals, 19 assists, and a whopping 27 points through just five games.

Lightning’s New Addition

For the Lightning, Jake Guentzel, their key free-agent acquisition after Steven Stamkos’ departure to Nashville, has landed on his feet. Fitting in seamlessly on the first line with Kucherov and Brayden Point, Guentzel has already tallied four assists.

Crucial Stand

The game also saw Hill and the Vegas defenders hold strong during a daunting 1:10 5-on-3 power play late in the second period, making three saves and blocking three shots to prevent Tampa Bay from scoring.

Impressive Stats

Kucherov becomes the second player in Tampa Bay history to score six goals in the first three games of a season, the first being Chris Kontos in the Lightning’s inaugural 1992-93 season.

What’s Next?

The Golden Knights are set to face Florida on Saturday night, while the Lightning head to Ottawa for their Saturday night fixture.