It was a tough night for goaltenders and public address announcers in Raleigh last night as the two teams combined for nine goals. For the Lightning, who were on the wrong end of the 5-3 score, it meant an end to their latest winning streak. After six victories, the Bolts were on the losing side for just the third time in 2026.
During the winning streak they scored 25 goals while allowing just 12 (and 5 of those came in one game) with Nikita Kucherov (who else) leading the way. The winger had 16 points (4 goals, 12 assists) as he continues his assault on the scoring race. At 95 points he’s tied for second place with Nathan MacKinnon and just five points behind Connor McDavid.
They’ll try and get another streak going on Saturday when they take on the Buffalo Sabres.
Other Hockey News
Lightning come up short in comeback [Raw Charge]
The power play scored. The offense looked okay. The defense…not so much. At least it was entertaining.
Does the emergence of Dominic James mean the end for a veteran? [Raw Charge]
Dominic James scored last night. Maybe we should write about him more.
Blues activate Holloway, waive Joseph [Bleedin’ Blue]
Old friend Mathieu Joseph is on waivers. It’s been a rough year for the former Bolt as he’s logged just 2 goals and 9 assists in 39 games. In the final year of a contract with a $2.95 million cap hit Joseph will likely clear waivers. It will be interesting to see what happens after that. He could have a role on a team looking for a depth forward that can play a physical role, but it’s likely that St. Louis would have to eat a portion of the cap hit to make a deal work.
Jack Finley makes St. Louis debut [NHL Instagram]
Jack Finley made his Blues debut wearing the same number his father, Jeff, wore during his days as a St. Louis defenseman.
NHL Power Rankings [ESPN]
Lightning come in at second place in the latest rankings. ESPN has their adjusted point total at 113.5, a total they’ve reached twice in their history (128 points in 2018-19 and 113 points in 2017-18). It’s an ambitious total, but within reach.
2026 NHL Draft: Five re-entry prospects you need to know [Daily FaceOff]
You know who loves a good overage prospect in the draft? The Tampa Bay Lightning. Could one of these players find themselves in the organization this summer? Undersized defenseman who can skate? Bolts could use one of those.
