Lightning make it a record 9 in a row, take 1st in Atlantic

The Tampa Bay Lightning made franchise history Saturday with their ninth straight win, breaking a record set in 2003-04.

The Lightning beat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime.

The Bolts were paced by their future: Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, and Nikita Kucherov. Palat had two goals, and his first was spectacular. Johnson had a goal and an assist, and Kucherov had two helpers.

Alex Killorn, though, will be remembered in Lightning trivia. He scored his 13th of the season in overtime to give Tampa Bay its record - and it was a sensational goal, worthy of history.

The Lightning have used their remarkable run to leap into first place in the Atlantic Division. The Florida Panthers have two fewer points, but even if they win Saturday, the Lightning will hold first place based on wins. Tampa's got 39 (36 in regulation), while Florida has 36 (30 in regulation).

Yeah, we know: It's a good time to be a hockey fan in Florida.