Kucherov scores go-ahead goal, two empty-netters to push Lightning past Hurricanes in season opener

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

Kucherov beat Hurricane goaltender Frederick Andersen for the go-ahead power-play goal 11:06 into the third with a low slapshot on the glove side. The Lightning winger then iced the game with empty-net goals at 17:52 and 19:44. 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 first-period goal for Carolina by tapping in an around-the-net feed from William Carrier, but the Hurricanes were unable to beat Vasilevskiy again.

Andersen finished with 19 saves for Carolina.

Lightning: It was an extended stay for Tampa Bay, which left for Raleigh on Monday due to Hurricane Milton's push into Florida later in the week. The opener came amid concerns for storm damage back home, with captain Victor Hedman saying Thursday that the players “owe it to everyone that we put our best foot forward.”

Hurricanes: Carolina has retooled its lineup significantly after multiple free-agent losses. Carrier's assist came in his first game, but the Hurricanes didn't generate the same offense and shot volume that has been a characteristic of six straight playoff runs.

Kucherov pushed the Lightning ahead for good, taking a feed from Hedman to blast a one-timer on the right side past Andersen just six seconds into the power play.

The Hurricanes spent too much time in the penalty box for a tightly-contested game. They were sent to the box six times, with the Lightning twice scoring in the first 15 seconds of the man advantage after faceoff wins by Nick Paul.

The teams were originally slated to play again in Florida on Saturday, though that game was postponed due to Milton recovery. Both teams now return to action Tuesday, with Carolina hosting New Jersey and Tampa Bay hosting Vancouver.

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