Kucherov scores the go-ahead shot and pushes the Lightning past the Hurricanes with two empty-net goals in their season opener

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Nikita Kucherov scored a hat trick in the third period to help the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1 in Friday night's season opener for both teams.

Kucherov beat goaltender Frederick Andersen with a low slap shot to the glove side and scored the go-ahead power play with 8:54 left in the third period. The Lightning winger then capped the game with a scoreless goal with 2:08 minutes and 16 seconds left. Brayden Point also scored a power play goal for the Lightning to open the scoring.

Andrei Vasilevskiy finished with 20 saves.

Captain Jordan Staal scored a goal for Carolina in the first period, redirecting a William Carrier shot over the net, but the Hurricanes couldn't beat Vasilevskiy again.

Andersen finished the game with 19 saves for Carolina.

Takeaways

Lightning: It was an extended stay for Tampa Bay, which headed to Raleigh on Monday as Hurricane Milton moved toward Florida later in the week. The opening game took place amid concerns about storm damage at home. Captain Victor Hedman said Thursday that the players “owe it to everyone that we did our best.”

Hurricanes: Carolina has significantly retooled its roster after several free agent losses. Carrier's assist came in his first game, but the Hurricanes did not generate the same offense and shot volume that characterized six straight playoff runs.

Key moment

Kucherov gave the Lightning the lead for good, taking advantage of a Hedman advance to fire a one-timer past Andersen on the right side just six seconds into the power play.

Key statistics

The Hurricanes spent too much time in the penalty box for a hard-fought game. They were sent into the box six times, with the Lightning scoring two goals in the first 15 seconds of the man advantage on faceoff wins from Nick Paul.

Next

The teams were originally scheduled to play again in Florida on Saturday, but the game was postponed due to Milton's recovery. Both teams now return to action on Tuesday: Carolina hosts New Jersey and Tampa Bay hosts Vancouver.

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