Lightning drop game to Devils 3-2 in OT

The New Jersey Devils returned home for the first time in 2025 following a six-game road trip. The Lightning were coming off a 4-1 win against the Boston Bruins in their first of three road matchups.

New Jersey Devils forward, Ondrej Palat opened the scoring 8:10 into the first period, following a turnover in the corner by Tampa Bay. A minute later, Lightning captain Victor Hedman tied the game up with a shot through traffic from above the left circle.

Devils forward Jack Hughes made it 2-1 with 4:44 remaining in the second period, after intercepting Brayden Point's clearing attempt along the boards in the neutral zone.

Nikita Kucherov responded for the Lightning in the third period with a breakaway goal to even out the score 2-2. Brandon Hagel found Kucherov at the offensive blueline and flung his shot past New Jersey goaltender, Jacob Markstrom.

The Lightning took a penalty in overtime when Jack Hughes was tripped in the offensive zone. The Devils were able to crack the Lightning penalty kill, which so far has been undefeated in 2025. The home team took a timeout, put four forwards on the ice, and immediately capitalized on the man-advantage.

The Lightning will have a quick turnaround opportunity, as they head to Pittsburgh, to complete their second back-to-back of the month.