Nikita Kucherov leads way as Tampa Bay Lightning take 3-1 series lead over New Jersey Devils

Angry after losing a playoff game, Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning took out their ire on the New Jersey Devils. Not only did the Lightning defeat New Jersey 3-1 on Wednesday to move within a game of making the Devils' first trip to the playoffs in six years a short one, Kucherov was a one-man demolition man. The NHL's No. 3 scorer this season scored two goals, set up another and knocked New Jersey's top defenseman, Sami Vatanen, out of the game with a big hit in the opening period. Kucherov has been the best player in the series so far. He has four goals and five assists in four games and he came into this game upset after the Lightning blew a 2-1 third-period lead in Game 3 to let the Devils back in the series. With a 3-1 lead now, Tampa Bay can wrap up the best-of-seven series in Game 5 at home on Saturday.