It didn't take long for another significant milestone to occur. During an early Lightning power play, Victor Hedman tallied his 20th goal of the season, blasting home a slapshot at 1:51. Hedman became just the second defenseman in Lightning history to reach 20 goals - Dan Boyle netted 20 during the 2006-07 season. When Hedman assisted on Ross Colton's third period goal, he also set a new career high for assists in a season (57).
Hedman wasn't the only player with a noteworthy statistical night. Brayden Point returned to the lineup after missing Thursday's game and collected his 200th career assist when he won an offensive zone face-off prior to Nikita Kucherov's first period power play goal.
Similar to the Toronto game, the Lightning played a terrific defensive game during five-on-five play. They were physical, took away Nashville's time and space, protected the front of the net, and limited scoring chances. The Preds managed to post just 14 even-strength shots.
While the Lightning did surrender two power play goals to Nashville, they tallied two of their own. They've now scored five PPG in the last two games. They're moving the puck quickly and accurately, effectively breaking down the opposition penalty kill. In this game, the Lightning helped their power play effort by going 4-1 on face-offs when they had a man advantage. One of those was the aforementioned Point face-off win. Seconds later, Kucherov whistled a shot from the high slot into the net.
As they did against the Leafs, the Lightning got goals from all four of their lines. The Anthony Cirelli line accounted for the second goal, the Steven Stamkos unit scored the fourth, Colton (on a line with Point and Nick Paul) had the fifth goal, and Pat Maroon netted the sixth and final tally.
The Lightning will look to make it three straight solid outings when they wrap up the back-to-back on Sunday in Sunrise against the scorching-hot Florida Panthers.
Lightning Radio Three Stars of the Game (as selected by Bobby "The Chief" Taylor:
1. Nikita Kucherov - Lightning. Goal and two assists.
2. Steven Stamkos - Lightning. Goal and two assists.
3. Anthony Cirelli - Lightning. Goal.
