Lightning defeat Panthers in Game 1 of NHL Playoffs
SUNRISE, Fla. / AP — The return of several key players couldn’t have come at a better time for the Tampa Bay Lighting.
In their pursuit to defend their Stanley Cup title, Brayden Point scored two late goals, including the game-winner with 1:14 left in the third period to lead the Bolts to a 5-4 win over the Florida Panthers on Sunday night in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Nikita Kucherov scored two power-play goals in his first appearance after missing the entire regular season with a hip injury. Kucherov had surgery on Dec. 29 and played his first game since Sept. 28.
“I was excited...
