By Jake Ricker
The Tampa Bay Lightning looked to end the season on a positive note and, most importantly, help Nikita Kucherov hit 100 A. Here is how they stacked up in last night's matchup against the Leafs..
Duclair-Point-Kucherov
Stamkos-Hagel
Eyssimont-Paul-Chaffee
Jeannot-Sheary-Watson
Lilleberg-Raddysh
Perbix-Cernak
de Haan-Dumba
Tomkins.
Here are the biggest takeaways from the Lightning's 6-4 win over the Leafs.
Nikita Kucherov
KUUUUUUUCH! Kucherov became just the 5th player in NHL history to hit 100 assists in a single season. He Joins Wayne Gretzky, Boby ORR, Mario Lemieux and Connor McDavid as the only players to do it. It was such an amazing accomplishment, and it was fantastic to see his teammate's reactions and the fans erupting with MVP chants in the arena. Kucherov is truly one of the greatest ever to do it, and we are lucky to be watching him play in a Lightning sweater.
In case you missed it or just want to see it again, here is the goal heard around the world.
Matt Tomkins
One goalie stopped Austin Matthews from scoring 70 goals, and his name is Matt Tomkins. Tomkins, who was playing in just his 6th NHL game, was great tonight. He faced an onslaught of shots from Matthews and made great saves all the way until the end.
While the Leafs did finish with four goals, most of them came at the end with an empty net, and it's hard to blame them on Tomkins. Tomkins deserves a lot of credit for stepping up into a big role as the Lightning backup both while Vasilevskiy was hurt and Johansson. If he can continue to improve his play, he could be a viable backup for the Lightning in years to come or in the playoffs if Johansson isn't ready. Strong Finish
The Lightning had some tough losses over the last few days, but tonight was a really good game for the team. Not only do they end on a positive note of winning, but they Get Kcuherov to 100 assists, break the goalless drought on the power play and played defensively sound hockey.
The Playoffs are an entirely different beast, but it always helps to end strong and build off that momentum. The Lightning also, most importantly, stayed healthy throughout the night. Good to see the team play a solid 60 minutes in game 82.
Final Thoughts
Now it's time for the playoffs. The Lightning will have a few days to get healthy and prepare for the Battle of Florida. This will be no easy task for the Lightning, but they are more than capable of doing it. Take the momentum from tonight and come out strong in game one.
Next game - Round 1 Game 1 Sunday, April 21st Lightning vs Panthers 12:30 PM EST
Three Stars
Media's three-stars
1 Kucherov (1G,1A)
2. Tomkins (.895 SV%)
3. Hagel (1G,1A)
Our three-stars
1 Kucherov (1G,1A)
2. Tomkins (.895 SV%)
3. Hagel (1G,1A)
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