Halloween Game Sees Bolts Slay OT Demons
- Michelle Gordon
- Oct 30, 2025
- 3 min read
The Tampa Bay Lightning came into this game enjoying a three-game win streak. That streak was not the only thing Bolts fans were excited about coming into tonight. The evening started with a tribute to the league's newest 1,000-point man, Nikita Kucherov. Kuch hit the impressive milestone on Saturday, and the team celebrated him tonight. In addition to the ceremonial gifts, Kucherov received video accolades from fellow countrymen (Alex Ovechkin, Sergei Fedorov) and a host of former team mates (Vlad Namestnikov, Tyler Johnson, Ondrej Palat, Mikhail Sergachev), culminating with former captain Steven Stamkos.
Snake-Bitten in the First
Both teams had some chances and some good looks in the opening frame. The Bolts looked to have a wide-open net on more than one occasion. But each time, the puck refused to cooperate with them. When the first 20 minutes were said and done, this one was still scoreless. Lightning held a 10-6 lead in shots.
Halloween Trick or Treat
The second period played went along pretty much like the first. The Lightning had some chances but still could not find the back of the net. At 6:34, the Bolts got the first power play of the game. They mustered no real chances over the two minutes.
About seven minutes later, they got another opportunity. This time, they looked much better and had several shots. With time ticking down in the man-advantage, Brandon Hagel appeared to score. The goal horn began to sound. And then it stopped. Was this some sort of Halloween trick? Replays showed the puck fully crossing the goal line. The referees announced, "No goal!" Finally, after review, the right call was made and Brandon Hagel (who had no power play goals last season) had his team up 1-0 with this one.
Stars Come Out for (pre) Halloween
The Lightning held the Stars to just 10 shots through 40 minutes of play. But a more determined Dallas team came out for the final period. Former Bolt Adam Erne fired the tying shot just 2:03 in.
Both teams had their chances for the remainder of the period. The Star had a 5 on 3 power play for just over a minute, and the Bolts got a couple of power play chances of their own. The two goaltenders stood strong.
As the seconds ticked away, it became clear that 60 minutes would not be enough time to decide this one.
Would Overtime be a Halloween Horror?
Overtime has not been kind to the Lightning in recent history. After losing their first two overtime games this season, the Bolts finally won one against the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday. Would they return to old habits tonight and turn overtime into a Halloween horror show? Or are they, perhaps, on their way to slaying their overtime demons?
Anthony Cirelli answered that question right about halfway through the 5-minute extra period. He raced for a loose puck, zipped it up the ice and backhanded it in for the unassisted game winning goal.
Lightning win their fourth straight and another overtime game. They may, indeed, be slaying their overtime demons. But more importantly, they are playing excellent hockey these past 4 games and were very deserving of the two points tonight.
Three Stars
Anthony Cirelli-- game winning goal in overtime
Jake Oettinger-- stopped 30 of 32 shots for Dallas
Brandon Hagel-- power play goal
Up Next
The Bolts take the road for games against three of the top teams in the Western Conference. They start Sunday with a 3:30 game in Utah against the red-hot Mammoth.
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