NHL Action: Lightning Triumph, devils Struggle in Recent matchups
February 4, 2026
Tampa Bay Lightning Extend Winning Streak
The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their impressive form with a thrilling overtime victory against an unnamed opponent. Jake guentzel scored the decisive goal 4:45 into overtime,securing the win after a late equalizer by Darren Raddysh with just 26 seconds remaining in regulation time. This victory solidifies the Lightning’s position as the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Nikita Kucherov led the charge for Tampa Bay, delivering a standout performance with one goal and three assists. The 32-year-old Russian forward has now reached the 90-point milestone in just 50 games,becoming a key driver of the Lightning’s success [1].
New Jersey Devils Face Playoff Concerns
Meanwhile,the New Jersey Devils are facing increasing pressure as their playoff hopes dwindle. A 3-0 defeat at home to the Columbus Blue Jackets marked their fourth loss in five games, leaving them nine points behind the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Despite a long season remaining, the Devils’ recent struggles, featuring key players like Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, and Jonas Siegenthaler, are raising concerns about their ability to secure a postseason berth.
Key Takeaways
- The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently the top team in the Eastern Conference, largely due to the exceptional performance of Nikita Kucherov.
- The New Jersey Devils are in danger of missing the playoffs, having lost four of their last five games.
- Overtime victories are becoming a hallmark of the Lightning’s season, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Looking Ahead
As the NHL season progresses,the Lightning will aim to maintain their dominant form,while the Devils will need to turn their fortunes around quickly to remain competitive in the playoff race. The coming weeks will be crucial for both teams as thay battle for position in their respective conferences.