TAMPA – Nikita Kucherov’s standout performance, with two goals, propelled the Tampa Bay Lightning to a commanding 6-1 win against the St. Louis Blues at Amalie Arena on Tuesday. Kucherov’s display underlined his exceptional season, with the star winger now third in the NHL with 22 goals and leading the league with 54 points.
Nicholas Paul also shone brightly, contributing a goal and two assists, while Steven Stamkos provided three assists. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy’s 28 saves played a crucial role for the Lightning (15-13-5), who have found their rhythm with two wins in their last three games.
Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper stressed the importance of simplifying the game, a strategy that paid off against the Blues. “You’re hoping to put teams under duress,” Cooper said, highlighting the effectiveness of their approach.
Justin Faulk scored the lone goal for the Blues (15-15-1), a team that struggled under interim coach Drew Bannister (2-1-0). Blues’ goalie Jordan Binnington faced a tough night, conceding five goals on 23 shots before being replaced by Joel Hofer, who made nine saves in relief.
Bannister lamented the team’s poor start and inability to establish a forecheck, pointing out the high number of turnovers and defensive lapses. “It was too easy to get pucks to our net,” he said, emphasizing the need for more defensive rigor.
The Lightning’s offense clicked early, with Michael Eyssimont opening the scoring with a deflection in the first period, followed by Tyler Motte’s scramble goal. Kucherov then took center stage with two quick-fire wrist shots, demonstrating his elite scoring touch.
Calen Fleury’s first goal of the season, a slap shot from the point, further extended the lead, highlighting the Lightning’s depth. “Anytime you can take pressure off of ‘Kuch,’ ‘Stammer,’ (Brayden Point) and get some secondary scoring, I think that’s what good teams do,” Fleury remarked.
The Blues’ struggles were encapsulated by Binnington’s early exit, with captain Brayden Schenn acknowledging the need to “tilt the ice and stop the bleeding early.”
Paul’s power-play goal in the third period, followed by Faulk’s wrist shot for the Blues, brought the game to its final scoreline. Paul echoed Cooper’s sentiments about simplifying their approach and focusing on the basics.
Notable Notes:
- Lightning defenseman Mikhail Sergachev was injured after blocking a shot and seen with his left foot in a boot. An update is expected soon.
- Kucherov recorded his 16th multipoint game of the season.
- Stamkos achieved his 99th three-point game in the NHL.
- Fleury was plus-4 in 22:32 of ice time.
- Faulk scored his first goal since April of the previous season.
The Lightning’s impressive performance, spearheaded by Kucherov’s scoring prowess and backed by strong team play, sends a clear message about their capability and depth as they continue to climb up the standings.
