Kucherov Scores 3 Goals As Tampa Bay Lightning Beat Philadelphia Flyers

Diandra Loux

Jan 24, 2024, 14:29

Diandra Loux

Jan 24, 2024, 14:29

A four-point night from Nikita Kucherov helped the Lightning end the road trip with more points than games.

© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports - Kucherov Scores 3 Goals As Tampa Bay Lightning Beat Philadelphia Flyers

The Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 6-3 on Tuesday night. As the Lightning continue to fight for their spot in the playoffs, it was crucial for them to turn the page quickly after the loss in Detroit. They did exactly that.

Nikita Kucherov, who continues to lead the league in points, secured his fifth career hat trick with three goals and an assist.

Kucherov has recorded four or more points in four road games this season. He became the first player in the NHL to hit 80 points this season and surpassed his goal total from the 2022-23 season (30).

"He's a pleasure to watch every night and he's definitely worth the price of admission," said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. "He's a fabulous player. Unique. Elite. I don't know what else to say about him because I'm running out of words."

"When he shoots the puck it has eyes. The fact that he's shooting more has really helped his game."

The second period continues to give the Lightning issues on the road, but special teams came through. It was a matchup you love to see. The Lightning entered the game with the top power-play percentage in the NHL and the Flyers ranked second on the penalty kill.

The Bolts were able cash in on the power play, which held them over throughout the second period. The Flyers packed the pressure on, but it wasn’t enough.

The Lightning came out swinging in the third, spending more time in the offensive zone, and forcing Philly to defend.

The Bolts return home from Philly with a 6-3 win. They'll open up a two-game homestand, starting on Thursday night against the Arizona Coyotes.