NHL futures bets and analysis for Nikita Kucherov's Hart Trophy argument and the Tampa Bay Lightning's playoff chances.
The Tampa Bay Lightning extended their winning streak to seven games on Thursday, wrapping up a three-game homestand with a 3-0 victory over the Calgary Flames. Nikita Kucherov scored the opening goal late in the first period for the Lightning, and teammate Erik Cernak made it 2-0 in the third period. Brandon Hagel’s empty-net goal sealed the win.
Brandon Hagel, Nikita Kucherov, Luke Glendening and Nick Paul all scored for the Bolts. Andrei Vasilevskiy showed no signs of rust coming out of the break, backstopping the victory with 36 saves.
Brandon Hagel, coming off a Team Canada victory in the showcase event, gives Tampa Bay a spark with a shorthanded goal. TAMPA — Lightning coach Jon Cooper wasn’t sure whether Brandon Hagel ...