Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Supplies two assists in win
Rotowire
Kucherov notched two assists, three shots on goal and two PIM in Sunday's 3-2 win over the Canadiens in Game 4.
Kucherov has opened the playoffs on a four-game point streak, accumulating a goal and five helpers. Four of his assists this postseason have come on the power play. Kucherov set up both of Brandon Hagel's third-period tallies in this contest to help the Lightning pull off a comeback win. Expect Kucherov to continue shining as a playmaker as the Lightning keep battling in this tough first-round matchup.
Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: First playoff goal in three years
Rotowire
Kucherov scored a goal Tuesday in a 3-2 overtime win over the Canadiens in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference First Round.
It was Kucherov's first playoff goal in more than three years. Yes, you read that right. His last playoff goal came in Game 1 against Toronto on April 18, 2023. Kucherov has three points, including two assists, four PIM and 10 shots in two games this postseason. He will need to continue to shine for Tampa Bay for the team to advance to the second round.
Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Two power-play helpers in Game 1
Rotowire
Kucherov put up two power-play assists in a 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference First Round on Sunday.
With the points, Kucherov has 173 career postseason points, and he moved past greats Mario Lemiux and Peter Forsberg into sole possession of 19th all-time. Sunday's game was a touch sloppy from a penalty perspective, so it was challenging to get flow 5-on-5. Kucherov is out to prove that his postseason disappearances the last three seasons (one goal in 16 games, but 16 assists) are a thing of the past. Tampa Bay was ousted in Round 1 in each of the last three seasons.
Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Equals career goal mark in OT win
Rotowire
Kucherov scored a goal and added an assist in a 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings on Monday.
Kucherov finished a give-and-go on a 2-on-1 in overtime to seal the victory. It was his 44th goal of the season, which equals his career high (2023-24). The assist moved him temporarily into a tie with Connor McDavid, who is playing the late game, for the NHL lead. Kucherov has 130 points this season, three behind McDavid for the NHL lead. It remains to be seen if the Bolts will rest their Hart candidate in their last regular-season game Wednesday against the Rangers.
Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Strikes on power play in loss
Rotowire
Kucherov scored a power-play goal on three shots in Monday's 4-2 loss to the Sabres.
Kucherov has three goals and five points over three games in April. The 32-year-old superstar lost some momentum after missing two games due to an illness in late March, but he still has a share of the NHL lead in points with 126 (43 goals, 83 assists) over 71 outings through Monday's action. Kucherov has added 221 shots on net, 37 power-play points, 35 hits, 48 PIM and a plus-45 rating.
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Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Nineteen points in last nine games
Rotowire
Kucherov scored a goal Saturday in a 3-1 win over Boston.
Kucherov is now one point behind Connor McDavid, who has 126, for the NHL scoring lead, and the two men are tied for the lead in assists with 83. McDavid plays the late game Saturday. Kucherov has points in eight of his last nine games (eight goals, 11 assists; 37 shots).
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Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Assault on record books continues
Rotowire
Kucherov scored a goal and added two assists in a 6-3 win over the Penguins on Thursday.
It was Kucherov's 19th game with at least three points this season and tied the great Peter Stastny (1982-83) for the seventh-most in a single season by a player born outside North America. Kucherov sits two points behind Connor McDavid (126) for the NHL scoring lead. Kucherov's 1.80 points per game played remains the best of the best. He has a chance to win the Art Ross trophy again. He earned it in 2024-25 (121 points).
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Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Expected to play Tuesday
Rotowire
Kucherov (illness) is set to be in the lineup versus the Canadiens on Tuesday, Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
Kucherov missed two games while under the weather. The 32-year-old superstar should be good for his usual top-six role and power-play time. He racked up six goals and nine assists over the six games prior to his absence.
Kucherov (illness) will be a game-time decision versus the Canadiens on Tuesday, Eric Engels of Sportsnet reports.
Kucherov has been out of action for the Bolts' last two games due to his illness, but he seems to be trending in the right direction. Assuming the 32-year-old winger does suit up, he figures to retake his spot on the first line in addition to slotting back in with the No. 1 power-play unit.
Kucherov (illness) won't play against Nashville on Sunday, according to Benjamin Pierce of the Lightning's official site.
Kucherov was not on the ice for pregame warmups and will miss his second straight game. He has accumulated 40 goals, 121 points and 205 shots on net across 67 appearances this season. Kucherov's next opportunity to play will come against Montreal on Tuesday.
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