DETROIT — In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, the Tampa Bay Lightning halted the Detroit Red Wings’ seven-game winning streak with a decisive 6-3 triumph. Brandon Hagel was the standout performer, contributing two goals and two assists to help secure the victory for Tampa Bay.
Erik Cernak also had a notable performance, adding a goal and two assists as the Lightning improved their record to 4-0-1 over their past five outings. Brayden Point reached a personal milestone with his 30th goal of the season, while Nikita Kucherov showcased his playmaking ability with three assists. Notably, Dylan Duke made his NHL debut, netting a goal shortly after being called up from Syracuse of the AHL, having played at the University of Michigan last season.
For Detroit, it wasn’t all bad news as Vladimir Tarasenko achieved a milestone by scoring his 300th career goal in the first period. Alex DeBrincat contributed with a goal and two assists, while Patrick Kane also found the back of the net. However, Cam Talbot, stepping in for Alex Lyon, managed just 11 saves after Lyon was pulled following a rough start where he allowed two goals within the first three minutes.
Key takeaways from the game are as follows: Brayden Point has now scored 20 goals in 37 career games against the Red Wings, including a tally in their previous encounter this season, which ended in a 5-1 win for the Lightning. Meanwhile, the Red Wings fell short of achieving eight consecutive victories for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
A significant moment during the match occurred when Duke scored off a rebound early in the third period, restoring a two-goal lead to Tampa Bay after Detroit had trimmed the margin to 4-3.
Statistically, Kucherov has been on a scoring tear, registering at least one point in 17 of the last 18 games. His only scoreless game in this span was on January 25 when the Lightning were shut out 2-0 by Talbot and the Red Wings.
Looking ahead, the Lightning are set to face Montreal on Sunday, whereas the Red Wings will be hosting the Minnesota Wild on February 22.
