Lightning win, Kucherov records 700th NHL assist after the Olympic break.

The Tampa Bay Lightning went into the Olympic break with 78 points in 55 games, securing first place in the Eastern Conference. After resuming the NHL season, the Bolts picked up right where they left off, defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. 

The game itself proved unusual for the Bolts, as they faced two disallowed goals following challenges by the Maple Leafs' coach in the opening period. Later, in the third, Toronto managed two quick goals in just 54 seconds, narrowing the margin after the Lightning had built a 4-0 lead. Despite the disrupted momentum, Nikita Kucherov remained unfazed by cancelled points, continuing to generate scoring chances for his team. The three-time Art Ross Trophy winner registered one goal and two assists, enabling him to reach another career milestone: 700 assists in the NHL. Kucherov now has 30 goals, 94 points, and a +33 rating in 52 games this season, and 387 goals with 701 assists in 855 NHL matchups. 

Kucherov’s Olympic break, however, did not include traveling to the Games because of the IIHF's ban on Team Russia. Instead, he used the time to train with former NHLer and Hall of Famer, Adam Oates. This focused preparation has kept the Lightning leader on track, as he seeks to add a sixth NHL season with over 100 points to his record. 

Meanwhile, the rest of the Lightning players who didn’t attend the Olympics took advantage of the week off before returning to practice with the team. 

Initially, eleven Lightning players were selected to represent their nations at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games. But Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli (both from Canada) missed the opportunity due to injuries. At the end of the international tournament, nine Bolts returned to Tampa with tons of memories, souvenirs, and experiences. Two of them brought medals: Jake Guentzel won gold with Team USA, and Brandon Hagel earned silver with Team Canada. Neither registered a point against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Guentzel (26G, 60P) missed a scoring chance in the third period, which led to a turnover and the Toronto goal. 

Looks like some players will need time to adjust to NHL hockey.