Kucherov leads Lightning to victory over Hurricanes in season opener

In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Tampa Bay Lightning faced off against the Carolina Hurricanes in their season opener on October 11, 2024. Nikita Kucherov was the standout player, scoring a hat trick in the third period, which included a crucial power-play goal that gave the Lightning a 2-1 lead. The Lightning's Brayden Point also contributed with an early power-play goal, setting the tone for the game. Despite a first-period goal from Carolina's Jordan Staal, the Hurricanes struggled to generate offense against Tampa Bay's strong defense and goaltending. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 20 saves, ensuring the Lightning maintained their lead. The game was marked by the Hurricanes' frequent penalties, which allowed the Lightning to capitalize on their power-play opportunities. Kucherov's two empty-net goals in the final minutes sealed the victory for Tampa Bay. The Lightning had traveled to Raleigh earlier in the week due to Hurricane Milton's impact on Florida, adding an emotional layer to their performance. Captain Victor Hedman emphasized the importance of putting forth their best effort amid concerns for their home state. Carolina's roster changes following free-agent losses were evident, as they struggled to match the offensive output typical of their previous playoff runs. The game highlighted the challenges both teams face as they navigate the early season, with Tampa Bay looking to build momentum and Carolina aiming to find their rhythm. Looking ahead, both teams were set to return to action shortly, with Carolina hosting New Jersey and Tampa Bay facing Vancouver, as they continue to adapt to the new season's dynamics.