The Boston Bruins are nearly unbeatable early in the season, but Steven Stamkos and his Tampa Bay Lightning teammates struck as their rivals looked set for a 5-4 overtime win Monday night at Amalie Arena.
The meeting was presented on TVA Sports.
The captain himself arrived to spoil goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman’s remarkable evening.
The 24-year-old Cerberus still hasn’t lost in regulation after nine appearances, but based on his 41 saves he deserves more.
Stamkos equalized with a slap shot that was missed by the goalie to the right. With 4.9 seconds left on the clock, extra time was necessary. The Lightning took advantage of that second wind when just over a minute into overtime, Brandon Hagel escaped and beat Swayman between the pads. Check out these two goals in the video above.
This is just the Bruins’ fourth loss of the 2023-24 season and second after three regular seasons.
David Pastrnak did what he could with a goal and an assist, bringing his point total to 29.
Tanner Jeannot, Nick Paul and Austin Watson also scored for the Lightning.
Jonas Johansson increased his record with 23 saves for the win.
A third twenty pays
On the Dallas side, the Stars scored no less than five goals in the third period and defeated the New York Rangers 6-3.
The Blueshirts led 2-0 before Jamie Benn reduced the deficit midway through the second period. Inspired by their captain’s net, the local heroes did their best. Joe Pavelski, Mason Marchment, Tyler Seguin, Sam Steel and Roope Hintz took turns batting.
The Stars’ last two goals came in the same penalty shootout after Wyatt Johnston brought down Alexis Lafrenière. The Quebecers’ streak of one-point games ended at four.