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How Lightning recaptured playoff-winning form in New York/New Jersey

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How Lightning recaptured playoff-winning form in New York/New Jersey


NEWARK, N.J. — Inside the Lightning locker room, the postseason already has begun.

Though 22 games remain on their regular-season schedule, they have to outlast several teams chasing them to make the playoffs. This Lightning team is a different group from the one that won consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and ‘21, but the core remembers what it takes to win in the postseason.

If the Lightning do make the postseason and have another deep run, back-to-back road wins over the Islanders and Devils this weekend, capped by Sunday’s 4-1 victory over New Jersey at Prudential Center, might be what they look back on as when their season became playoff-ready.

“It was huge,” said defenseman Victor Hedman, who had a goal and an assist against the Devils and was one of three Lightning players who were plus-4. “We really played desperate, and we played to our structure. We didn’t cheat the game, and we played to our strengths.”

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Things can change quickly at this time of the season, and the Lightning (32-23-5, 69 points) are now trending in the right direction.

After dropping three straight at home, Tampa Bay allowed three total goals in the two road wins. It took early leads and held them, earning four huge points against teams that are chasing them in the Eastern Conference standings and have games in hand.

“A lot of things have worked,” coach Jon Cooper said. “I think first and foremost, it’s our mindset and what it takes to win in the league and what it takes to win down the stretch. When you give up two goals a game or one goal a game, good things are going to happen.

“We’re just playing the right way. We’re not cheating for offense, we’re not beating ourselves, and that’s something we’ve done, especially on that homestand. Guys have made a conscious effort to make sure that’s not happening, and you can see the results.”

Here’s how the Lightning recaptured playoff-winning hockey Sunday in New Jersey.

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The stars led the way

Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) shoots the puck past New Jersey Devils defensemen Luke Hughes (43) and Colin Miller (24) during the first period. [ NOAH K. MURRAY | AP ]

To win in the postseason, a team’s best players have to be great, and the Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov has been one of the league’s top playoff performers over the past four seasons.

This year he has been all-world all season, and with a four-point day Sunday (one goal, three assists), he has a league-leading 102 points. Kucherov became the second active player since 1992-93 to reach 100 points in 60 games or fewer, joining Oilers superstar Connor McDavid, who did it last season.

After being held without a shot on goal in a scoreless first period, the Lightning’s top line of Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point and Kucherov took over the game in the second, putting Tampa Bay ahead 2-1. The trio posted 10 of the Lightning’s 17 even-strength shots on goal over the final 40 minutes, and Hagel cleaned up a loose puck in front of the net 9:38 into the third to give Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead and the breathing room it needed.

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Kucherov assisted on each of the Lightning’s first three goals, by Hedman, Point and Hagel, then scored into an empty net with 1:35 remaining to seal the win. He has factored into each of the Lightning’s last seven goals dating to Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Islanders.

“He keeps doing it, day in and day out,” said Hagel, who had a goal and two assists. “He’s a special player. It’s fun to watch. I have a front-row seat for myself. He’s a competitor; he wants to win. He wants to get into the playoffs. He wants to win another Stanley Cup, and the way he plays, his work ethic, the forecheck, shows you why he’s doing what he’s doing.”

Holding the line

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) plays the puck against Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) during the second period.
New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) plays the puck against Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak (81) during the second period. [ NOAH K. MURRAY | AP ]

In the playoffs, a team needs to know how to close out games, and the Lightning did an impressive job of protecting the middle of the ice and preventing dangerous scoring chances. They contested shots, blocking 25 (Hedman had six, defenseman Calvin de Haan five), and held the blue line down the stretch to prevent the Devils from entering their zone. New Jersey had just three shots on goal in the third period.

“We sacrificed our body a lot and got into shooting lanes and had some good blocks when we needed to,” Hedman said. “That’s what good teams do. You find ways to win.”

It made for an easier day for goaltender Jonas Johansson, who stopped the Devils’ last eight shots after Tyler Toffoli’s power-play goal 6:01 into the second period. Johansson, starting for just the sixth time in almost three months, stopped 18 of the 19 shots he faced, improving to 3-3-0 since his playing time became more sporadic following Andrei Vasilevskiy’s return from back surgery in mid-November.

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Winning at even strength

Lightning center Brayden Point (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period.
Lightning center Brayden Point (21) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the second period. [ NOAH K. MURRAY | AP ]

The Lightning have the best power play in the league, and at times they can rely too much on the man advantage for offense.

But in recent weeks, the power play has gone dry. The Lightning are 2-for-15 over their last six games, a 13.3% clip that is a far cry from their NHL-best 29.8% success rate they had going into Sunday.

It was a different story against the Devils. Aside from Kucherov’s empty-netter, all the Lightning’s goals came at even strength.

“In the end, if you make the playoffs, oftentimes there are lots of power plays in the first round, but ultimately as the playoffs go on, power plays dry up,” Cooper said. “You’ve got to round out your 5-on-5 game if you want to go anywhere in this league.”

Contact Eduardo A. Encina at eencina@tampabay.com. Follow @EddieintheYard.

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New Jersey would ban plastic utensils in takeout orders under new bill

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New Jersey would ban plastic utensils in takeout orders under new bill


Legislation that would ban single-use utensils from takeout orders advanced this week in the New Jersey Senate. 

The bill aims to reduce unnecessary waste and environmental impact. If customers need utensils, they would have to request them specifically, as they would no longer be included in their orders automatically under this bill.

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The bill would prohibit food service businesses from automatically providing condiment packets to customers, as well. Instead, they would be required to offer them reusable utensils. 

According to the bill, businesses that fail to comply with the law would ultimately be fined. A third of the fines collected from businesses who violate the law would be deposited into the Clean Communities Program Fund, “a statewide, comprehensive, litter-abatement program created by the passage of the Clean Communities Act in 1986.” 

460 million tons of plastic

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What they’re saying:

Supporters of the initiative argue that reducing plastic waste is crucial for both environmental and human health. Plastic utensils often end up in landfills and oceans, contributing to pollution, according to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

The WWF says that every year, humans produce over 460 million tons of plastic, 90% of which pollutes “almost all areas of our planet.” 

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Some critics believe there are more pressing plastic issues to address, like packaging for sodas and chips. They also question the practicality of expecting people to carry utensils.

Dig deeper:

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The proposed law would not apply to schools, prisons and health care facilities, meaning they would remain exempt if the legislation passes.

A companion bill has been introduced in the state Assembly. Both chambers must pass the bill before the governor can sign it into law, however. 

What we don’t know:

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The potential cost impact on businesses and how consumers would adapt to the change are still unclear.

The Source: Information from a FOX 5 NY report, the World Wildlife Fund, the bill’s text and NJ Clean Communities. 

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Hischier | PRE-RAW 12.11.25 | New Jersey Devils

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Hischier | PRE-RAW 12.11.25 | New Jersey Devils


NewJerseyDevils.com is the official web site of the New Jersey Devils, a member team of the National Hockey League (“NHL”). NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and NHL Conference logos are registered trademarks of the National Hockey League. All NHL logos and marks and NHL team logos and marks as well as all other proprietary materials depicted herein are the property of the NHL and the respective NHL teams and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of NHL Enterprises, L.P. Copyright © 1999-2025 New Jersey Devils and the National Hockey League. All Rights Reserved.



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Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for Dec. 10, 2025

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Did anyone win Powerball? Winning numbers for Dec. 10, 2025


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Powerball winning numbers are in for the Wednesday, Dec. 10 drawing with a jackpot that reached an estimated $930 million ($429 million cash option).

The winning numbers in Wednesday’s drawing are 10, 16, 29, 33, and 69, with Powerball number 22.  The Power Play number is 3. 

Did anyone win the Powerball jackpot?

No one won the Powerball jackpot.

When is the next drawing of the Powerball?

The next Powerball drawing is Saturday. Drawings are held at 10:59 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

How late can you buy a Powerball ticket?

In New Jersey, in-store and online ticket sales are available until 9:59 p.m. on the night of the draw.

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What does it cost to play Powerball?

Powerball costs $2 to play. For an additional $1 per play, the Power Play feature can multiply nonjackpot prizes by two, three, four, five or 10 times.

Are you a Powerball winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All New Jersey Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.99. For prizes over $599.99, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at New Jersey Lottery offices. By mail, send a winner claim form, winning lottery ticket and a copy of a government-issued ID to New Jersey Lottery, Attn: Validations, PO Box 041, Trenton, NJ 08625-0041.

Winners can drop off their claim form and winning ticket in person at the New Jersey Lottery office where a secure drop box is available. Claim forms are also available at the office. Hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Lawrence Park Complex, 1333 Brunswick Avenue Circle, Trenton, NJ 08648.

To find a lottery retalier, you can search the NJ lotto website.

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What is the Powerball payout?

The complete guide to winnings is:

  • Match 5 White Balls + Powerball: Jackpot
  • Match 5 White Balls: $1 million
  • Match 4 White Balls + Powerball: $50,000
  • Match 4 White Balls: $100
  • Match 3 White Balls + Powerball: $100
  • Match 3 White Balls: $7
  • Match 2 White Balls + Powerball: $7
  • Match 1 White Ball + Powerball: $4
  • Match Powerball: $4
  • Match 5 White Balls with Power Play: $2 million
  • Match 4 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $200,000
  • Match 4 White Balls with Power Play: $400
  • Match 3 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $400
  • Match 3 White Balls with Power Play: $28
  • Match 2 White Balls + Powerball with Power Play: $28
  • Match 1 White Ball + Powerball with Power Play: $16
  • Match Powerball with Power Play: $16

What are the odds of winning the Powerball jackpot?

The overall odds of winning the Powerball are 1 in 292.2 million.

How do I find the Powerball winning numbers?

Powerball drawings are broadcast live every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59 p.m. from the Florida Lottery draw studio in Tallahassee. Drawings are also lived streamed on Powerball.com. The winning numbers are posted to the Powerball and New Jersey Lottery websites.



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