Mar 4, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Damon Severson (78) battle for the puck in the third period at Amalie Arena. The Lightning wasted no time as they hosted the Columbus Blue Jackets at Amalie Arena on Tuesday. The Bolts were on their second night of a back-to-back, after facing the Panthers on Monday night. They quickly opened the scoring with two goals in 1:37, which is the fastest of any team this season.
Mitchell Chaffee scored first just 30 seconds after puck drop. Nikita Kucherov quickly doubled the lead to put the Lightning up 2-0.
"Scoring two in the first minute and a half was big for us," said Lightning captain Victor Hedman. "We got the puck in the zone and got close to the net. We wanted to do the same thing in the second and we got two quick ones and we're able to hem them in. If you can do that, good things will happen."
Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski cut the lead in half late into the first period making it 2-1. He later went on to score his second goal of the game, which happened to be shorthanded. Tampa Bay came out for the second period with some pep in their step. Guentzel and Hedman each scored.
Tampa Bay’s top line of Jake Guentzel, Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point had one of their best nights since returning from the February break, scoring three goals and notching 5 assists between them.
Hedman’s second goal of the night gave the Lightning a 5-2 lead in the third period. Guentzel scored empty-net goal to secure the 6-2 win.
"We wanted to stay close to them on defense, don't give them time and space," said Hedman. "They are a great team and they're in a playoff spot for a reason. They have great speed and guys that can make a difference. Once we got into a lead, we had to focus on keeping them from using their speed and skill.
The Lightning have allowed two goals or less in their last 6 games and are 10-1-1 in their past 12 games. They host Buffalo on Thursday night.