Goalie Brawl Fuels Lightning's Epic Comeback in NHL Outdoor Game
In a stunning turn of events during Sunday's NHL Stadium Series matchup, a rare goalie fight between Jeremy Swayman of the Boston Bruins and Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning became the catalyst for a historic comeback. The outdoor game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, witnessed its first-ever netminder scrap, which players credited with shifting the momentum entirely.
Gloves Off in the Second Period
With the Lightning trailing 5-2 in the second period, tensions boiled over as both teams engaged in a scrum. Swayman challenged Vasilevskiy, leading to an explosive confrontation where sticks were discarded and helmets flew. Vasilevskiy, nicknamed "The Big Cat," seized Swayman and landed several left-handed punches before officials intervened to break up the fight.
Brandon Hagel of the Lightning described the altercation as the "big turning point in the game," emphasizing how it energized the team and the crowd. Teammate Nikita Kucherov expressed awe at Vasilevskiy's fighting prowess, joking that he wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of those punches.
Historic Rally and Franchise Record
Following the goalie fight, the Lightning mounted an incredible rally, ultimately securing a 6-5 victory in a penalty shootout. Kucherov tied the game in the third period, while Gage Goncalves and Jake Guentzel contributed crucial goals during the shootout. This remarkable comeback stands as the largest in Tampa Bay franchise history and the biggest ever recorded in an NHL outdoor game.
The win extends the Lightning's streak to three games, solidifying their position atop the Atlantic Division with a record of 35-14-4. Meanwhile, the Bruins now sit at 32-20-4, reflecting the impact of this dramatic loss.
Player Reactions and Team Morale
Kucherov praised Vasilevskiy's fighting skills, dubbing him "White Tyson" for his aggressive performance. He noted that the entire bench and stadium felt the surge of energy from the fight, which he believes was necessary to awaken the team. The Lightning's ability to capitalize on this momentum highlights the unpredictable nature of hockey and the role of physicality in shifting game dynamics.
This memorable Stadium Series game not only delivered thrilling action but also underscored the Lightning's resilience and teamwork under pressure. As the NHL season progresses, this goalie fight and subsequent comeback will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the 2026 outdoor series.
