Hedman OT Winner Lifts Lightning Past Kraken 4-3

Overtime Decider

Victor Hedman delivered the decisive blow just two minutes and seven seconds into the extra period, lifting the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 4-3 triumph over the Seattle Kraken. The win improved Tampa Bay’s record to 5-2-0 with 10 points, while Seattle dropped to 5-2-1 with 11 points on the season.

First Period Action

The Kraken struck first when Ryan Winterton capitalized on a backhand opportunity in the opening frame. Assisted by Freddy Gaudreau, Winterton gave Seattle an early 1-0 lead. Tampa Bay responded before the period ended, as Brandon Hagel tied the game with a wrist shot. Brayden Point and Jake Guentzel provided the assists for the equalizer.

Second Period Shift

Tampa Bay seized control in the second period when Hagel scored again, this time on a snap shot. Anthony Cirelli and Dominic James assisted on the goal that put the Lightning ahead 2-1. The Kraken were unable to answer, and Tampa Bay maintained its one-goal advantage heading into the final frame.

Third Period Rollercoaster

The third period proved volatile as both teams traded goals. Jared McCann tied the game at 2-2 with a snap shot, assisted by Jordan Eberle and Chandler Stephenson. Ilya Mikheyev then restored Seattle’s lead with a wrist shot, unassisted, making it 3-2 for the visitors. Matty Beniers leveled the score at 3-3 with a tip-in goal, assisted by Vince Dunn.

Final Moments

With the game tied and heading to overtime, Hedman found the back of the net on a backhand shot, assisted by Pontus Holmberg. The goal secured the win for Tampa Bay. Hagel finished with two goals and two points for the Lightning, while McCann recorded one goal and one point for Seattle.

The game was played at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa, Florida, before a crowd of 19,092 spectators.

Sources

ESPN