The Tampa Bay Lightning are officially on fire! After a thrilling shootout victory against the Chicago Blackhawks, the Bolts have extended their point streak to an incredible 15 games. Check out the highlights, key stats, and how Nikita Kucherov led the team to another historic win in the Windy City.
Hockey fans, we are witnessing something special. The Tampa Bay Lightning just rolled into Chicago and walked away with a gritty 2-1 shootout win, extending their point streak to a mind-blowing 15 games. It wasn’t easy, and it certainly wasn’t pretty at times, but great teams find a way to win even when the puck isn’t bouncing their way.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Chicago Blackhawks: Quick Stats
| Statistic/Feature | Match Detail |
| Final Score | 2-1 (Shootout Win) |
| Point Streak | 15 Games (14-0-1) |
| Key Scorer | Nikita Kucherov (25th Goal) |
| Shootout Winner | Dominic James |
| Goaltender | Andrei Vasilevskiy (17 Saves) |
| Next Milestone | Vasilevskiy: 353rd Career Win |
A Run for the History Books for the Tampa Bay Lightning
The current run by the Tampa Bay Lightning is nothing short of legendary. Since December 20, the team has posted a 14-0-1 record, a streak that has propelled them into the upper echelon of the league standings. This 15-game stretch marks the third-longest point streak in franchise history, trailing only the 16-game run in 2018-19 and the massive 18-game stretch during their 2003-04 championship season.
Coach Jon Cooper noted that these types of games can be “frustrating” because the team plays well but isn’t always rewarded with goals on every shift. However, the “mettle” of the players was on full display Friday night at the United Center. They didn’t try to manufacture something out of nothing; they stayed disciplined, focused on their play without the puck, and eventually found the opening they needed.
Kucherov and Vasilevskiy: The Heart of the Tampa Bay Lightning
You can’t talk about the success of the Tampa Bay Lightning without mentioning Nikita Kucherov. He’s been the engine of the offense all season, and Friday was no different. After Chicago’s Ryan Greene opened the scoring in the first period, Kucherov took matters into his own hands in the second. With a slick backhand while skating across the crease, he notched his 25th goal of the year, tying the game and shifting the momentum.
On the other end of the ice, Andrei Vasilevskiy continues to cement his status as an all-time great. While he only had to make 17 saves—thanks to a suffocating Tampa defense—his save on Ilya Mikheyev in overtime was a game-saver. That victory marked Vasilevskiy’s 353rd career win, tying him for 25th in NHL history alongside legends Rogie Vachon and Evgeni Nabokov.
Dominic James: The Unexpected Shootout Hero
When the game headed to a shootout, many expected the usual superstars to take the spotlight. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning showed off their depth when Jon Cooper tapped Dominic James on the shoulder for the fifth round. It was James’ first NHL shootout, and he didn’t disappoint.
Despite the nerves and the chorus of boos from the Chicago crowd, James stayed cool. He went five-hole to secure the win and keep the streak alive. “Everyone’s booing you… you’re happy to be in that position,” James said after the game. It’s that kind of confidence from the younger players that makes this roster so dangerous as they head toward the latter half of the season.
Staying Patient Under Pressure
One of the most impressive aspects of the Tampa Bay Lightning right now is their collective composure. During the second period, they absolutely dominated Chicago, outshooting them 13-2. Many teams would have grown impatient or taken unnecessary risks when the goals didn’t come immediately, but Tampa stayed the course.
Defenseman J.J. Moser highlighted that the team’s defensive focus is the real secret behind the 15-game streak. By not “reinventing the wheel” when games are tied late, they limit high-danger chances for the opposition and trust that their talent will eventually get the bounce they need. It’s a veteran mindset that is clearly paying dividends.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Lightning are currently playing a brand of hockey that is both disciplined and exciting. By balancing elite individual performances from stars like Kucherov with the steady, historic goaltending of Vasilevskiy, they have become the team no one wants to face. As they look to extend this streak even further, the focus remains on the fundamentals that got them here. This 2-1 win over Chicago was a reminder that even on the road, the Tampa Bay Lightning are never out of the fight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the current Tampa Bay Lightning point streak?
As of January 24, 2026, the Tampa Bay Lightning have a 15-game point streak (14-0-1), which is the third-longest in franchise history.
2. Who scored the winning goal in the shootout against the Blackhawks?
Dominic James scored the game-winner in the fifth round of the shootout, marking a successful first shootout attempt in his NHL career.
3. What milestone did Andrei Vasilevskiy reach in this game?
Vasilevskiy earned his 353rd career win, moveing him into a tie for 25th place on the NHL’s all-time wins list.
4. How many goals does Nikita Kucherov have this season?
With his goal against Chicago, Nikita Kucherov has reached 25 goals for the 2025-26 season.
5. When did the Tampa Bay Lightning’s current streak begin?
The streak began on December 20, and the team has gone undefeated in regulation since that date.
