Nikita Kucherov scored three times while Alex Killorn and Steven Stamkos added three points each as the Tampa Bay Lightning throttled the Buffalo Sabres 6-1 on Tuesday night. Kucherov recorded his first goal since returning from injury early in the second period, added one midway through the period, and then capped off the scoring for his fourth career hat trick.
Andrei Vasilevskiy ran his career record to 12-1-1 against the Sabres as he made 17 saves on 18 shots with only Vinnie Hinostroza’s power play goal eluding him. Along with Kucherov’s three goals, Stamkos scored his 17th of the season, Anthony Cirelli scored, and Ondrej Palat continued his hot streak as he scored his 15th of the season.