EDMONTON — Steven Stamkos delivered a stellar performance with four goals, leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-4 win against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on Thursday. The victory ended Edmonton’s eight-game winning streak, showcasing Tampa Bay’s resilience and firepower.
Stamkos’ remarkable achievement marked his first-ever four-goal game in his 1,031st NHL game. His goals in the third period were crucial in breaking the tie and securing the win for the Lightning. Coach Jon Cooper shared a light moment with Stamkos, reflecting on the rarity of such a feat in his illustrious career.
The Lightning’s goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, was also pivotal in the win, making an astounding 53 saves. Nikita Kucherov contributed a goal and an assist, helping Tampa Bay improve their record to 14-12-5.
Stamkos emphasized the vital role of Vasilevskiy, stating that the goalie’s performance was the cornerstone of their victory, especially given the quality of the opposition.
Connor McDavid extended his point streak to 11 games for the Oilers, with a goal and an assist, while Evan Bouchard extended his to 13 with two assists. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added a goal and two assists, but goalie Stuart Skinner’s 17 saves weren’t enough to fend off the Lightning’s offensive surge.
The game began with Stamkos scoring on a power play in the first period, followed by Tyler Motte’s goal for a 2-0 lead. The Oilers responded with goals from Darnell Nurse, McDavid, and Zach Hyman, taking a brief lead before Tampa Bay’s third-period rally.
Stamkos’ third-period goals, along with Kucherov’s crucial strike, shifted the momentum in favor of the Lightning. Edmonton’s Nugent-Hopkins managed to narrow the gap, but Anthony Cirelli’s empty-net goal and Stamkos’ final goal sealed the win for Tampa Bay.
Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl felt the Oilers were the better team and deserved to win, highlighting the unpredictable nature of hockey.
Notable achievements in the game included Stamkos’ second instance of scoring three goals in a period and his entry into the elite group of players with 200 power-play goals. Kucherov’s continued form brought his season tally to 50 points in 30 games. The game also marked the second instance this season of the Lightning scoring five goals in the third period.
The win for the Lightning is a statement of their ability to perform against top teams, while the Oilers will look to rebound from this setback and continue their strong form.
