Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov matches Martin St. Louis in Tampa history with goal vs. Canucks
The Tampa Bay Lightning lost to the Vancouver Canucks at home on Sunday, 6-2, but it was a game still worth remembering, particularly for veteran skater Nikita Kucherov. The 32-year-old Russian forward, who recently recorded his 1,000th assist in the NHL, kicked off the scoring in the contest with an even-strength goal with just under a minute left in the first period.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion was wide open for a snipe from the right side, with his shot getting past Vancouver netminder Kevin Lankinen. Darren Raddysh and Brayden Point were credited with assists for that lamp-lighter by Kucherov, who also moved up on the all-time goals list of Tampa Bay.
“Nikita Kucherov scored his 365th career goal and tied Martin St. Louis for the third most in Lightning history behind Steven Stamkos (555) and Vincent Lecavalier (383),” the graphic on the NHL Public Relations’ social media post on X, formerly Twitter, read.
A three-time Art Ross Trophy winner, Kucherov is easily one of the best playmakers of his generation and among the greatest players to ever don a Tampa Bay uniform. He is proving it again in the 2025-26 NHL season, where he’s already scored eight goals and notched eight assists for 16 points.
Steven Stamkos, who is now with the Nashville Predators, is the Lightning’s all-time goals leader, as Stammer found the back of the net 555 times during his stellar career with Tampa Bay. Vincent Lecavalier is No. 2 on the list with 383 goals.
Kucherov, who was a second-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2011, can break his tie with St. Louis and have solo ownership of the No. 3 spot as soon as this coming Tuesday, when the Lightning play host to the New Jersey Devils. The Bolts also have a date with the Edmonton Oilers at home on Thursday before an away game on Saturday versus the Washington Capitals.
The Lightning crumble as the Canucks score five third period goals
Nikita Kucherov got the Lightning’s offense started on Sunday with his eighth goal of the year. A slap shot assisted by Darren Raddysh and Brayden Point put Tampa on top of Vancouver 1-0.
Jake Guentzel kept the Lightning’s offense striking in the second period with his eighth goal of the year on a tip-in shot assisted by Erik Carnak and Brandon Hagel who was back on the ice.
But then the Canucks started cooking offensively as they began to quiet the Lightning. Jake DeBrusk made it a 2-1 match. He was assisted by Elias Petterson and Quinn Hughes.
The Lightning still held the lead into the third period, but after a Tampa penalty, the Canucks tied it up on a power play goal by Kiefer Sherwood 4:11 into the period. The shot that made it a 2-2 game was assisted by Brock Boeser and Hughes.
They then scored 40 seconds later and at the 5:51 mark as well to take and extend their lead over the Lightning. Their third goal and the one that put them on top 3-2 was by Linus Karlsson and assisted by Mackenzie MacEachern. Their fourth goal that followed was scored by Drew O’Connor and assisted by Hughes and Filip Hronek.
MacEachern then extended the Canuck’s lead to 5-2 over Tampa Bay on a goal assisted by Hronek and Hughes.
The sixth goal that put the nail in the coffin for Tampa Bay and led the Canucks to their ultimate victory was scored by Marcus Petterson. It was a wrist shot assisted by E. Pettersson and Tyler Myers.
The Lightning skate away from the weekend having split the weekend with one win and one loss.
They will return to action on Tuesday with a 7:00PM EST puck drop against the New Jersey Devils at Benchmark International Arena.
GOOD NEWS: Mark Murphy has announced a $5 ticket day at Lambeau Field, giving thousands of low-income families the chance to see the Green Bay Packers live for the first time…
In a surprising and heart-warming announcement, Green Bay Packers owner Mark Murphy has officially unveiled a $5 ticket day at Lambeau Field — a move that fans are already calling “the most generous community gesture in franchise history.”
The special event is designed to give low-income families a rare chance to attend an NFL game at a price that’s almost unheard of in modern professional sports. For thousands of people across Green Bay, this may be their first-ever opportunity to experience the energy, noise, and atmosphere of a live Packers home game.
Mark Murphy explained the motivation behind the initiative in a team statement:
“We want to open the doors of Lambeau Field to everyone. Football isn’t just for those who can afford it — it’s a shared pride of the entire Green Bay Packers community.”
Within minutes of the news breaking, social media erupted. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with emotional reactions, calling the decision “historic,” “incredible,” and “a game-changer for the city.” One long-time supporter posted:
“I’ve loved the Packers for 20 years but never had the money to go to a game. This time, I’m bringing my whole family. I’m still in shock.”
Sports analysts also praised the initiative, pointing out that this move goes far beyond football. It signals a powerful shift toward community engagement and accessibility at the highest level of American sports. One NFL analyst commented:
“If more teams followed the Packers’ lead, the league would feel far more connected to the everyday fans who support it.”
In addition to the $5 admission price, the Packers are reportedly coordinating with local organizations to provide discounted transportation options, affordable meal packages, and a family-friendly zone inside the stadium. These added features underline the event’s community-centered purpose — turning it into more than just a game, but a genuine celebration for the city of Green Bay.
Demand for the tickets is expected to be overwhelming, with experts predicting a complete sell-out within minutes. Many believe the atmosphere on game day could be one of the most emotional and energized crowds in the stadium’s modern history.
With this bold gesture, Mark Murphy isn’t just making headlines — he’s redefining what it means for an NFL franchise to give back. His initiative positions the Green Bay Packers as a team committed to equity, unity, and the belief that football should be shared by everyone.
