Nikita Kucherov scores power-play goal in overtime and Lightning rally for 4-3 win over Wild
(AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored a power-play goal 3:23 into overtime and the Tampa Bay Lightning rallied past the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Saturday night.In the opener of a four-game trip, the Lightning got two goals and an assist from Jake Guentzel and a goal and two assists from defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous.
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — In a thrilling overtime win, the Tampa Bay Lightning overcame the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Saturday night. Power-play hero Nikita Kucherov netted the decisive goal three minutes into overtime, igniting a Tampa rally. Jake Guentzel, a Minnesota native, scored twice and provided an assist, while defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous added a goal and two assists. Both Brayden Point and John Carlson contributed with two assists each. Dennis Hildeby made 19 crucial saves for the Lightning.
Kucherov, the reigning NHL MVP, had gone seven games without a goal before his power-play strike. The veteran forward recently requested a trade from the Lightning due to a perceived lack of communication with general manager Julien BriseBois. Kucherov, a two-time MVP, could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Maxim Shabanov led the Wild with two goals, including a tying goal at 6:49 in the third. Blake Coleman added a goal for the Wild, who have topped the Western Conference with 28 points this season. Minnesota has won three straight games and is 6-0-2 in their last eight contests.
The Lightning opened their four-game road trip with a dominant performance. After leading 2-0 early, the Wild tied the game 2-2 with just three minutes into the first period. Coleman's goal and Shabanov's power-play tally ignited a Tampa comeback, culminating in Kucherov's overtime heroics.
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