At the NHL All-Star event, Nikita Kucherov of Team Hughes scored the first goal of the game, quickly establishing a 1-0 lead at 1:19 into the game, following a turnover from Nylander. Despite the skillful play, Kucherov faced a negative reaction from the crowd, being booed after his goal was announced and again during the player introductions. Frank Vatrano then grabbed the lead back for his team. Kucherov's antics during the Skills Competition and a subsequent shootout, where he taunted the fans, were seen as unbecoming behavior for a star who might be in contention for the Hart Trophy.
Kucherov just painting himself into the villain role forever in Toronto with his antics here. An utter tank in Skills and taunting the fans to pick up the boos in the shootout today before getting stopped. Unbecoming behavior from a superstar, from a guy who might win the Hart.
Frank Vatrano grabs the lead right back 🦆 @Rogers | #NHLAllStar https://t.co/mkjrPDxOXk
Kuch starts the scoring off for Team Hughes. 🚨 (🎥: @Sportsnet) https://t.co/HX4shASlhH
Quick start for Kuch ⚡️ @Rogers | #NHLAllStar https://t.co/yPxrXxJd6F
And after dogging the Skills Comp and getting roundly booed, of course Kucherov gets the first goal of his game by converting a breakaway after a Nylander turnover. And he's booed again when it's announced.. 1-0 for Team Hughes at 1:19.
Kucherov would score Team Hughes first goal. Everyone boo’s when they announce his name. #NHLAllStar
Kucherov gets a breakaway and nets the first goal of the game for Team Hughes.
Kucherov opening the scoring - superb
Nikita Kucherov scores on a breakaway. Haha, I love it. He's gonna score six today and win MVP.