The Ottawa Senators (35-40-4) defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning (44-27-8) 3-2 in the shootout on Thursday night at Amalie Arena.
Nikita Kucherov had two more assists for Tampa Bay. He now has 98 assists on the season, as well as 43 goals, good for 141 points as he leads the NHL in the scoring race. With three games remaining in the regular season, he continues to have a chance to both win the scoring race and get 100 assists in the season, something only three other players have done in NHL history.
The Lightning got goals from Conor Sheary and Brayden Point in regulation, while backup goalie Matt Tomkins got the start for Tampa Bay. He went 25-of-27 in net in the game the Bolts would eventually wind up losing in the shootout.
The Lightning now go on the road to Washington to play the Capitals in their final road game of the regular season. Tipoff between the Lightning and Capitals is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Saturday in Washington DC.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES