SThursday, 3 a.m.
Nikita Kucherov continued to direct the orchestra Thursday night. He leads, and everyone else follows.
Kucherov became the fifth man in the history of the NHL to compile 100 assists in a season in the Bolts’ 6-4 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was the team’s final regular season game. They finished 45-29-8.
The Bolts, who had lost three of four games, had a resounding ending to the season. They led 6-1 at one point.
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Tampa Bay got goals from Nicholas Paul (his 24th), Kucherov (44). Anthony Duclair (24), Brayden Point (46), Brandon Hagel (26) and Tanner Jeannot (7).
The Leafs scored the game’s final three goals, but none of them were by Austin Mathews, who was seeking to become the ninth player to score 70 in a season.
Tampa Bay goaltender Matt Tompkins ran his record to 3-2-1 with the win.
The Lightning open their playoffs Sunday afternoon at the Florida Panthers.