Tampa Bay Lightning: Washington Capitals Take Notice Of Nikita Kucherov
As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to take on the Washington Capitals tonight, the Capitals have their eye on one player in particular, Nikita Kucherov.
There has been a lot of chatter here in the Bolts Nation as of late. Unfortunately, most of it has been rumors about the destiny and contract status of Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos. As the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to charge into the Verizon Center to take on the Washington Capitals, the one player the Caps are keeping a close eye on is Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov.
When you really think about it, it’s pretty obvious why they’re concerned about the Russian sniper. In the 32 games Kucherov has suited up for this season with the Lightning, he’s scored 12 goals and eight assists for a total of 20 points. Kucherov currently leads the Tampa Bay Lightning in goals.
The first of many reasons the Washington Capitals have their eyes on the 22 year old Moscow native is thanks to his performance the last time these two teams met at the Amalie Arena on December 12th. The Bolts were down 2-1 nearing the halfway point in the third period when Nikita Kucherov was able to capitalize on a Power Play opportunity and get one back for the Bolts.
Last season, Kucherov was able to bring home one goal and two assists over the course of three games for a total of three points at the expense of the Washington Capitals.
According to Tampa Bay Times Staff Writer Joe Smith, Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had a lot to say about his fellow Russian forward and the prowess he shows on the ice.
"“I think easily he can score 50,” Ovechkin told Smith. “Obviously he’s getting better and better every year. He’s matured. And with the skill he has, he has the typical European skill, more of a Russian guy, it’s always nice to watch him grow as a player.” ~ Alex Ovechkin via Joe Smith/Tampa Bay Times"
Alex Ovechkin is not the only person associated with the Washington Capitals who has their eyes on Nikita Kucherov. Another person who is particularly high on Nikita Kucherov’s skill on the ice is Washington Capitals Head Coach Barry Trotz.
"“He’s a hell of a player. Every time we play the Lightning, I come away from that game going, ‘That guy is a top-end player.’ He’s a dynamic player. He’s dangerous. When he’s on the ice, something happens.” Trotz told Smith. “He’s got some bite to him. He doesn’t back off if you come at him physically.” ~ Barry Trotz via Joe Smith/Tampa Bay Times"
An interesting fact is that while we all know Kucherov has incredible skill when it comes to puck handling, playmaking, and putting the puck in the back of the net, this season he has been able to do all of that without the assistance of his linemates Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat. Tyler Johnson has missed quite a few games this season thanks to aggravating a nagging injury and Ondrej Palat has been sidelined for weeks with a Lower Body Injury.
Last season, Kucherov played in all 82 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning. In that amount of time, Kucherov brought home 29 goals and 36 assists for a total of 65 points. The five foot eleven inch Russian forward ranked second in the NHL for plus/minus with a plus-38 rating. Combined with his linemates, the Triplets accounted for just over one-third of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s overall offense.
There are many scenarios that could play out as we near the trade deadline, and even more so the end of the regular season. After the conclusion of the 2015-16 season Steven Stamkos is set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent. At the same time, Kucherov is set to become a Restricted Free Agent. Both of these players will obviously be looking for a well-deserved bump in salary.
Can the Tampa Bay Lightning afford to keep both of them in Lightning blue for the long term? Unfortunately, the answer to this one is probably not. There are definitely some difficult decisions ahead for Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman.
No matter which road Yzerman chooses to take, we here at Bolts By The Bay are certain Nikita Kucherov has a bright career in front of him with the possibility of many Rocket Richard Trophies in his future. We just hope his future involves the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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