The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated their fifth consecutive win, closing out 2025 with a dramatic 4-3 overtime triumph over the Anaheim Ducks. The pivotal moment arrived 2 minutes and 47 seconds into overtime when defenseman Darren Raddysh capitalized on a feed from Brandon Hagel, skillfully netting the game-winning goal past Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal.
This New Year's Eve afternoon match showcased a resilient Lightning squad, with J.J. Moser, Brayden Point, and Nikita Kucherov each contributing goals. Kucherov and Raddysh also provided assists, while Brandon Hagel was instrumental with three assists. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stood strong, stopping 25 shots. The contest also marked a milestone for Coach Jon Cooper, who coached his 1,000th NHL game, as Tampa Bay concluded December with a 7-6-1 record.
Despite goals from Jansen Harkins, Beckett Sennecke, and Mason McTavish, the Ducks' efforts were not enough to secure a win, marking their record at 1-4-2 in their last seven games. The game saw back-and-forth action, including a disallowed goal for Tampa Bay due to an offside call and multiple equalizers from Anaheim. Ultimately, the Lightning's persistent offense and Raddysh's clutch performance ensured their hard-fought victory.
This hard-won victory exemplifies the team's unwavering commitment and the profound impact of collective effort in achieving success. It underscores that with determination, strategy, and teamwork, challenges can be overcome, leading to inspiring achievements and showcasing the spirit of perseverance.