Nikita Kucherov, the Tampa Bay Lightning star, is making a strong case for the Hart Trophy with an MVP-level season, highlighted by his 35th goal and 93rd point. In a recent game against the Colorado Avalanche, Kucherov scored two goals and provided an assist, contributing to a 6-3 win. After 20 minutes of play, Kucherov had 1 point from 1 goal, reaching his 91st point of the season, while Nathan MacKinnon had 1 point on 1 assist. The game also featured a stunning goal by Stamkos, assisted by Kucherov, tying the game at 3-3 before Tampa Bay took the lead to 4-3 and eventually secured the victory. Jon Cooper and Nathan MacKinnon have both praised Kucherov's exceptional play, with Cooper calling it the best hockey he's ever seen under his watch. Kucherov's point-per-game pace stands at 1.72, making him a frontrunner for the Hart Trophy.
Kucherov’s now up to 1.72 P/GP this season. There are great arguments for a few other players, but he should be the front runner for the Hart Trophy. He has 37 more points than Brayden Point, who ranks second on the #Bolts and would be the leading scorer on 21 teams this season. https://t.co/sDhiUNLkTt
Stamkos on if he thinks Kucherov is motivated by going head to head against Nathan MacKinnon: "To be completely honest, I don't think so and the reason I say that is because he has so much respect for a guy like that. He respects the best players in this league so much. He learns…
Lightning added a couple ENG for 6-3 win vs. Avalanche. Kucherov had two goals, one assist and MacKinnon had two assists in this matchup between the top two in points in the NHL. https://t.co/uXmdblWKew
Nikita Kucherov is up to 93 points on the year. That would've ranked first on 21 NHL teams at the END of last season. Still has 27 games to go after tonight.
KUCHHHH — his second goal and his third point of the game 4-3 Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov to Stamkos and he scores on the breakaway ... it was STUNNING 3-3
after 20 minutes of play ... Kucherov has 1 point on 1 goal, which puts his point total at 91. He was originally credited with the primary assist on the Point goal but that goal was changed to an unassisted goal. MacKinnon has 1 point on 1 assist, which puts his point total at…
KUCHHHH !! his 35th goal of the season his 92nd point of the season 2-1 Tampa Bay Lightning
Kucherov and Hedman get the assists on this goal, it is Kucherov's 91st point of the season https://t.co/9cegZPjS5s
Making the case for Nikita Kucherov for Hart Trophy. My feature on what makes #tblightning star unique + on another level this year. Hear from him, his peers + coaches. “This is the best hockey I’ve ever seen anyone play under my watch,” Jon Cooper says. https://t.co/7AJehQZXUi
Nathan MacKinnon on what he admires about Nikita Kucherov’s game: “Everything. I think he is, obviously, one of the best in the world. It's not breaking news. It's awesome to watch him play. I think me and him have very different games so that's why I love watching him so much.…
“I call him ‘Art on Ice.’” Behind Nikita Kucherov’s MVP-level masterpiece of a season. Our story on #tblightning star, who goes head to head w/ Hart Trophy candidate Nathan MacKinnon tonight. “He’s gonna be tough to beat,” MacKinnon says. With @hayyyshayyy https://t.co/7AJehQZq4K