Brady Tkachuk contributed a goal and an assist during regulation and secured the lone shootout goal, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.
NHL’s leading points scorer Nikita Kucherov added two assists for the Lightning, bringing his season total to 98 assists. Kucherov aims to join an elite group of players, including Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, and Bobby Orr, who have achieved 100 or more assists in a single season.
With an eight-game point streak and 141 points this season, Kucherov’s performance has been praised by his teammates.
Drake Batherson also scored for the Senators, who have not made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. Anton Forsberg, the Senators’ goalie, made 24 saves and successfully defended against Victor Hedman, Steven Stamkos, and Brayden Point during the shootout.
Despite securing the first Eastern Conference wild card, the Lightning are still five points behind Toronto for third place in the Atlantic Division. Tampa Bay’s starting goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, was rested, and Matt Tomkins made 25 saves in his fifth game of the season.
Batherson tied the game at 2 early in the third period after Tkachuk opened the scoring with his 35th goal of the season. Kucherov assisted on goals by Conor Sheary and Point, giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead in the first period.
The Senators had a successful record against Tampa Bay this season, winning three out of four games, including both games in Florida.
“We’re focused on finishing the season strong,” Batherson commented. “We’re just looking to build up momentum.” Ottawa managed to shut down Tampa Bay’s league-best power play, preventing them from scoring in all five power play opportunities.
