By MITCH STACY AP Sports Writer
(COLUNBUS) – Nikita Kucherov scored scored his second goal of the game 31 seconds into overtime and the Tampa Bay Lightning won their seventh straight, beating the Blue Jackets 2-1.
Columbus’ Zach Weresnki turned the puck over behind his own net and Victor Hedman fed it out to Kucherov, who beat Elvis Merzlikins.
The Lightning won the first meeting of the teams since the Blue Jackets swept Tampa Bay in the first round of the playoffs last year, giving Columbus its first-ever postseason series victory.
Blue Jackets star defenseman Seth Jones is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. He was hurt in Saturday night’s loss to Colorado.
The three-time All-Star has six goals and 24 assists this season while leading the club in time.
Columbus has been plagued by injuries this season but has still managed to play its way into contention in the tough Metropolitan Division.
Gabriel Carlsson was recalled from the AHL to take Jones’ place.
The Blue Jackets also brought up center Liam Foudy on emergency recall from the Ontario Hockey League.