Hattrick hero Nikita Kucherov rates Bolts' 4-1 over Canes

Nikita Kucherov was the hero for the Tampa Bay Lightning as he scored a hat trick in the final nine minutes to propel his team to a 4-1 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes in the season opener for both clubs on Friday night.

When asked how the Lightning were able to break through in the third with the game knotted at one, Nikita Kucherov said post-game:

"I think we just played the right way and we executed the game plan. Obviously it’s the first one and a tough one against Carolina in Carolina. I'm happy with the win and I'm happy how we played in the third and the whole game."

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy was solid with 20 saves for the Lightning.

For the Hurricanes, captain Jordan Staal lit the lamp in the first period for their lone goal. Goalie Frederik Andersen stopped 19 shots in the loss.

Nikita Kucherov's hat-trick and the Tampa Bay Lightning's 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes

When asked about his scoring prowess, Nikita Kucherov emphasized the importance of making the right plays rather than just looking to shoot.

"If I have opportunities to shoot I will shoot but if I have an open guy, I'll definitely dish,"Kucherov said.

Nikita Kucherov netted his first goal 8:54 left in the third period and the two empty-net goals to complete the hat trick after assisting on Brayden Point's first period goal that opened the scoring. The first two Tampa Bay goals came on the power play.

Kucherov discussed his chemistry with Point, saying:

“I think he is the best player in the league at that spot. He can pick up any pass and put it in the net and he was able to do so so I am happy for him”

Lightning Head coach Jon Cooper said he was optimistic coming into the game but still had some nerves about his team's chemistry early in the season. After the dominant performance, Cooper seemed reassured, saying the game went pretty well.

The teams were initially scheduled to play a back-to-back set with the second game to take place in Florida on Saturday, but that matchup was postponed due to Hurricane Milton recovery efforts.

Both clubs now get a few days off before their next contests - Carolina will host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, while Tampa Bay entertains the Vancouver Canucks that same evening.