Kucherov scores twice, Lightning hold off Panthers
N
NHL.com
Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by NHL.com. Read the full original article here →
The Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Florida Panthers in a thrilling matchup on December 27, 2025. The game was a tight contest from the beginning, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess. In the first period, lightning struck early as Nikita Kucherov netted the first goal, giving the Lightning a swift lead. However, the Panthers, led by their captain Aleksander Barkov, retaliated quickly, with Barkov scoring to level the game before the end of the period.
As the game progressed, both goaltenders, Andrei Vasilevskiy for the Lightning and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Panthers, made several key saves, keeping the score tied through the second period. The intensity built as the third period began, with both teams pushing hard for a decisive goal. Midway through the period, Brayden Point found the back of the net, putting the Lightning ahead 2-1.
Desperate to even the score, the Panthers pulled Bobrovsky in the final minutes for an extra attacker. Despite their efforts and a flurry of chances, they couldn't break through Vasilevskiy’s resolute defense. The Lightning held on to secure a hard-fought victory, solidifying their position in the standings and proving their mettle against a formidable rival. Fans celebrated passionately as the Lightning notched another important win in their pursuit of the playoffs.
As the game progressed, both goaltenders, Andrei Vasilevskiy for the Lightning and Sergei Bobrovsky for the Panthers, made several key saves, keeping the score tied through the second period. The intensity built as the third period began, with both teams pushing hard for a decisive goal. Midway through the period, Brayden Point found the back of the net, putting the Lightning ahead 2-1.
Desperate to even the score, the Panthers pulled Bobrovsky in the final minutes for an extra attacker. Despite their efforts and a flurry of chances, they couldn't break through Vasilevskiy’s resolute defense. The Lightning held on to secure a hard-fought victory, solidifying their position in the standings and proving their mettle against a formidable rival. Fans celebrated passionately as the Lightning notched another important win in their pursuit of the playoffs.