What Happened
Pontus Holmberg posted a career-best four points with a goal and three assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Winnipeg Jets 6-4 on Thursday night in Tampa. Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli each added a goal and two assists, and Brayden Point, John Carlson and Conor Geekie also scored. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 17 saves. The Lightning moved to 6-0 at home, matching a franchise record for the best home start to a season.
Key Details
- Holmberg finished with one goal and three assists, a career high.
- Hagel and Cirelli each recorded a goal and two assists for Tampa Bay.
- Vasilevskiy stopped 17 shots in the win.
- Tampa Bay's 6-0 home start ties a franchise record.
- Neil Pionk scored twice in his 600th NHL game for Winnipeg.
- Jets goaltender Stuart Skinner allowed five goals on 21 shots before Nico Daws replaced him to start the third period.
What It Means
Tampa Bay's perfect home record gives it a strong early-season base, with scoring spread beyond its top line. Winnipeg's skid has stretched to seven games (0-5-2), including three straight regulation losses since trading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck to New Jersey. The Jets' last win came Oct. 13, and the goaltending change against Tampa Bay reflects a team still searching for stability.
What's Next
Winnipeg continues its schedule while trying to end a seven-game winless run that dates to its last victory on Oct. 13. Tampa Bay looks to protect its unbeaten home record in upcoming games at Amalie Arena.