Jordan Kyrou's shootout goal snaps Lightning's streak

Jordan Kyrou delivered the decisive moment in a thrilling shootout, scoring the only goal as the St. Louis Blues edged the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on January 16, 2026, at Enterprise Center. This victory halted Tampa Bay’s franchise-record-tying 11-game winning streak. Blues goaltender Joel Hofer stood tall with 34 saves through regulation and overtime, plus three more stops in the breaker.

Kyrou’s backhand deked past Andrei Vasilevskiy to seal it, while Hofer denied Nikita Kucherov to end the drama. It marked St. Louis’s first overtime or shootout win of the season after an 0-8 skid in such situations. The game showcased resilience from both sides in a tight Central Division battle.

First-period surge sets the tone

The Blues jumped ahead late in the opening frame, capitalizing on Lightning miscues. With 2:57 remaining, Jake Neighbours tucked home his 12th goal off feeds from Jordan Kyrou and Cam Fowler after a Tampa Bay poke check failed.

Just 30 seconds later, Nick Bjugstad made it 2-0, firing from the slot with Pavel Buchnevich assisting after being left unchecked. Tampa Bay outshot St. Louis 11-7 in the period but couldn’t solve Hofer early.

These quick strikes shifted momentum firmly to the hosts. The Lightning pressed but headed to the locker room trailing.

St. Louis’s forecheck proved effective, limiting high-danger chances. This burst echoed their opportunistic style under coach Jim Montgomery.

Lightning power play rallies in second

Tampa Bay stormed back in the middle frame with special-teams magic. At 9:59, during a two-man advantage, Nikita Kucherov ripped his 24th goal on a one-timer from Brandon Hagel and Darren Raddysh.

Just 62 seconds later, Oliver Bjorkstrand tied it at 2-2 on the power play, snapping a shot past Hofer with assists from Kucherov and Raddysh. The Lightning dominated shots 15-5 in the period.

Vasilevskiy kept St. Louis at bay with sharp positioning. Tampa Bay’s penalty kill had faltered earlier, but the power play clicked perfectly here.

This comeback highlighted Kucherov’s elite form, building on his assist streak during the win rampage.

Shootout drama and Hofer’s heroics

Regulation and overtime solved nothing, with Hofer facing 36 shots total to Vasilevskiy’s 21. The shootout came down to Kyrou’s magic.

Kyrou went first for St. Louis, roofing a backhand over Vasilevskiy’s glove. Hofer then stoned Kucherov on Tampa Bay’s turn.

The Blues’ first SO/OT triumph broke a drought. For more on Kyrou’s ups and downs this season, check this healthy scratch analysis and ongoing trade saga.

Hofer’s night earned praise across the league. Full details in the NHL game recap.

Breaking down the Lightning’s streak

Tampa Bay sought a 12th straight win, last losing 2-1 to Los Angeles on December 18. Their prior 11-game run from January 29 to February 17, 2020, preceded a Stanley Cup.

Kucherov and Raddysh fueled the surge with power-play prowess. Vasilevskiy’s 19 saves kept them alive.

This loss drops Tampa Bay to 29-13-4. They rebound Sunday at Dallas.

The streak tied franchise marks but ends against a gritty Blues squad.

Implications for both teams

St. Louis gains crucial points, boosting playoff hopes. Their next test is at Edmonton on Sunday.

Tampa Bay remains elite but must regroup. See the ESPN boxscore for stats.

Scoring summary:

• 1st period: STL - Jake Neighbours (12) (Kyrou, Fowler) 17:03; STL - Nick Bjugstad (6) (Buchnevich) 17:33.
• 2nd period: TBL - Nikita Kucherov (24) PP (Hagel, Raddysh) 9:59; TBL - Oliver Bjorkstrand (7) PP (Kucherov, Raddysh) 11:01.
• Shootout: STL - Kyrou (goal); TBL - Kucherov (no goal).

This win underscores the Blues’ growth, while Tampa Bay eyes another deep run. Expect fireworks ahead in the Central Division race.