Thursday, 4 a.m.
It is a team of stars, but there are times when the rest of the Tampa Bay Lighting flyers fade into the background, times when Brayden Point has the puck on his stick, and no one else matters.
Another game, another highlight.
This one came in the Bolts' 4-1 victory over Montreal, a twisting, weaving goal in which Point split four Canadiens' players to score. It was one of two goals he scored in the win, the fifth time this season he's had two goals in a game.
“It's determination," said Bolts' coach Jon Cooper."It’s impressive, his will to succeed. He’s a difference maker. And difference makers do things like that."
Point, who leads the Lightning with 19 goals, led an impressive outing in which the team showed off rested legs due to a five-day break.
Alex Killorn and Brandon Hagel also scored goals. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 25 of 26 shots to win his fourth game in his last five.
"Hagel has that (determination) in him as well," Cooper said. "Some guys stay away from that area of the ice. He’s a true competitor. There are guys who have dirt under their nails. He’s one of them."
The Bolts play again tonight, facing the New York Rangers at 7 p.m. at Amalie Arena.
