Dominic James delivered a game-winning shootout goal, sealing a 2-1 victory for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. This crucial victory on January 23, 2026, extended the Lightning’s impressive unbeaten streak. They have now gone 15 consecutive games without a regulation loss, marking the third-longest streak in franchise history and a significant part of their current Lightning unbeaten streak. This latest installment in the Lightning unbeaten streak showcased their resilience.
A Tightly Contested Matchup and the Unbeaten Streak
The game was a defensive battle, with both goaltenders standing tall. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 17 saves for the Lightning, while Arvid Soderblom was equally impressive for the Blackhawks, stopping 30 shots. The intensity of this hockey game recap is amplified by the Lightning unbeaten streak.
Chicago struck first when Ryan Greene scored at 17:42 of the first period with a wrist shot from the slot. Despite a challenge for offsides, the call on the ice stood.
Lightning Strike Back to Continue the Unbeaten Streak
Nikita Kucherov tied the game for Tampa Bay late in the second period at 18:42. He received a pass from Brandon Hagel and finished with a backhand shot past Soderblom. This goal extended Kucherov’s point streak to four games, adding another layer to the narrative of the ongoing Lightning unbeaten streak. Both teams struggled to capitalize on the power play, going 0-for-3.
Overtime and Shootout Drama in the Lightning Unbeaten Streak
Overtime saw the Blackhawks generate more chances, outshooting Tampa Bay 4-1. However, neither team could find the back of the net, forcing the game into a shootout, a common occurrence during this impressive Lightning unbeaten streak.
James Seals the Victory and Extends the Lightning Unbeaten Streak
In the fifth round of the shootout, Dominic James proved to be the hero, scoring the decisive goal to secure the extra point for the Lightning. Nikita Kucherov also scored for Tampa Bay in the shootout. Gage Goncalves kept the Lightning alive in the fourth round, further contributing to the narrative of this significant Lightning unbeaten streak.
Team Standings and Streaks Amidst the Lightning Unbeaten Streak
The win improved the Tampa Bay Lightning’s overall record to 32-13-4, with an impressive 18-4-4 road record. Prior to this game, the Blackhawks had won two straight. Chicago’s current record stands at 21-22-7. The Blackhawks previously won their preceding meeting against Tampa Bay 3-2. This victory is a key moment in the current Lightning unbeaten streak.
Player Spotlight: Dominic James and the Lightning Unbeaten Streak
Dominic James, born July 3, 2002, is a young center for the Lightning. Interestingly, he was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. He played college hockey at Minnesota Duluth, serving as an alternate captain before a season-ending injury. His shootout heroics were crucial for the continuation of the Lightning unbeaten streak.
Broader Context and Trending Sports News Surrounding the Lightning Unbeaten Streak
This news highlights the trending performance of the Tampa Bay Lightning and their remarkable Lightning unbeaten streak. Their consistency and ability to earn points are key factors as this January 2026 hockey update is analyzed. The sports world watches as the Lightning continue their remarkable streak, solidifying their status. Meanwhile, the Chicago Blackhawks are striving for more consistent results. This hockey game recap provided an exciting display of skill and determination, underscoring the competitive nature of the NHL and the significance of this Lightning unbeaten streak.
