TAMPA, Fla. — Nikita Kucherov reached a personal milestone and helped the Tampa Bay Lightning move closer to clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Kucherov became the second player in the NHL to reach 100 points this season, and the Lightning took a two-point lead in the Atlantic Division by beating the Buffalo Sabres 7-5 Friday night. “Win a hockey game, win the division.”The Lightning played their second consecutive game without centre Steven Stamkos (lower-body injury), who is expected to be back for the playoffs. Cirelli and Kucherov also had first-period goals for the Lightning, while Mittelstadt, on the power play, and Nylander scored the Buffalo goals. Lightning: Will look to extend their franchise-record breaking road win total to 26 against the Hurricanes.

Source: National Post April 07, 2018 02:31 UTC