Kucherov's hot streak helps Lightning to 7-2 road win over Flyers

Nikita Kucherov had two goals and two primary assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Flyers 7-2 for their ninth straight win, the team's longest streak since 2019-20.

The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Philadelphia Flyers 7-2 on Saturday to extend their winning run to nine games, their longest streak since an 11-game run in 2019-20. The streak follows a difficult stretch in which the team went 2-6-1. Nikita Kucherov opened the scoring early and finished with two goals and two primary assists, continuing a long personal run of multi-point games. Players and coach Jon Cooper noted the team maintained its approach during the earlier losses and are seeing results now. Key facts: - Final score was 7-2, giving the Lightning their ninth straight win and the club's longest streak since 2019-20. - Nikita Kucherov recorded two goals and two primary assists and became the first NHL player to post eight consecutive multi-point games since Steven Stamkos in 2022; Connor McDavid is the only other active player who reached that mark in 2018-19. - Coach Jon Cooper said the team did not change its style during the prior 2-6-1 stretch and that players are now being rewarded for their play. - The Lightning improved to a 15-4-3 road record and were reported as second in the league in road goals while allowing the fewest goals on the road as of Sunday morning. - Nick Paul, Gage Goncalves (two third-period goals), Brandon Hagel and Yanni Gourde also scored; Goncalves has been skating on the top line with Brayden Point and Kucherov and spoke about increased confidence from playing with them. Summary: The Lightning's nine-game run has shifted the team from a recent losing stretch into sustained wins, with strong contributions from Nikita Kucherov and several depth players. The team remains effective on the road and will play the Flyers again in Philadelphia on Monday.