New York. The Tampa Bay Lightning had only fourteen shots on goal.
However, against all odds, they managed to beat Carolina 8-2 – with Nikita Kucherov amazingly involved in six of the goals.
– You can say we took advantage of the opportunities we had, smiles Brayden Point, who scored three goals.
You can really say that. On no previous occasion since these statistics began being measured in the NHL 68 years ago (!) has a goaltender conceded eight goals on 14 shots and left the ice with a 42 percent save percentage — but that’s what happened to poor Antti Raanta at home at PNC Arena.
Virtually every puck the guests sent against him came in.
– We did not create much, but as I said, we took advantage of the opportunities that were still available to us, says Brayden Point.
He scored six points
Yes, not least himself. Complete the trilogy. But friend Nikita Kucherov was worse. He scored two goals and played in four, becoming the second player in the club’s history to score six points in one game.
“We’re just trying to play the right way and follow our game plan,” he says dryly.
The question is: What did Carolina’s exciting coach, Rod Brind’Amour, say to his players next?
– Nothing I can repeat here, he muttered at the press conference.
Made his season debut
However, he does not blame Ranta alone at all.
– In fact, we had a perfect first period. Then we started getting stupid sacks and that’s exactly what Tampa has been waiting for. Then they make sure you get paid.
It’s also worth noting that Lightning star goaltender Andrei Vasilevskij made his first appearance this season after back surgery in the fall and stopped 22 of 24 shots.
Victor Hedman was credited with the assist.
