Tampa, FL (SportsNetwork.com) – Nikita Kucherov recorded his first career hat
trick, propelling the Tampa Bay Lightning past the Arizona Coyotes, 7-3, on
Tuesday.
Brian Boyle added two goals for the Lightning, who have won three of four.
Valtteri Filppula and Matthew Carle also lit the lamp, while Ben Bishop
stopped 22-of-25 shots.
Shane Doan, Martin Erat and B.J. Crombeen scored for the Coyotes, who have
lost four of five. Crombeen faced the Lightning for the first time since being
traded to the Coyotes over the summer.
Mike Smith, who spent parts of four seasons with Tampa Bay from 2007-11,
turned aside 27-of-33 shots before being pulled in the third period. Devan
Dubnyk made one save in relief.
