Kucherov Scores Tampa Bay’s Only Goal in Garden Defeat
His second-period even-strength tally came in a game where he led Lightning skaters in ice time
Nikita Kucherov carried the scoring load for Tampa Bay with the club’s lone goal in a 5-1 loss at Madison Square Garden. His marker came at even strength in the second period (7:59), and he finished with 1 goal, 1 point and 1 shot on goal.
Kucherov logged 23:59 of ice time — the team high among skaters — and led the forward group in position rank for minutes, taking 20 shifts. The box score shows a mixed night beyond the goal: he recorded 1 takeaway and 1 blocked shot, but also had 4 giveaways and was -1 on the night. He posted no power-play points.
Plainly: Kucherov produced Tampa Bay’s only finish and topped his teammates in minutes, but turnovers and defensive lapses accompanied what was otherwise a quiet supporting night from the roster around him.