Tampa Bay Lightning F Nikita Kucherov Has Become A Clutch Player
Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov has quickly made the transition from rookie player to clutch player for the Bolts.
When a team heads into the NHL Draft, they are obviously looking for the best possible player who can benefit the team in the long run. It’s usually someone new who has a particular talent the General Manager and Scouting team believe they can mold into a future top line player. Despite all the research that goes into choosing that perfect player, it’s not always noticeable right away that your team has won the lottery.
One of those defining moments for the Tampa Bay Lightning was back in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft when the Lightning selected right wing Nikita Kucherov in the Second Round (58th Overall.) Little did Tampa Bay Lightning Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman know this young Russian forward would soon become one of the most valuable players on the team.
Kucherov made his debut for the Tampa Bay Lightning on November 25, 2013. Kucherov would score the first goal of the night just 2:12 into the first period between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. While Kucherov may have netted the Game Winning Goal, the Lightning would go on to defeat the Rangers 5-0. Not a bad way to start your NHL career, if you ask us.
Since then, Nikita Kucherov has continued to break his own personal best records every season. In the 77 games Kucherov played this season, he scored 30 goals and 36 assists for a grand total of 66 points. These numbers were good enough to overcome Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos and take first place on the team in overall points.
One of the best things about Kucherov is his situational awareness. Much like his linemates Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat, Kucherov knows where he is on the ice and where everyone else around him is so he knows the perfect route to take in order to put the puck in the back of the net. Another great aspect of the young Lightning forward’s game is that he is a fairly defensive-minded forward. This helps in numerous situations.
In addition to taking the top spot in overall points this season, Nikita Kucherov wasted no time in making his name known in the postseason. In the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night, Nikita Kucherov was responsible for two goals and one assist for a total of three points. Kucherov’s first goal came within 6:23 seconds of puck drop, giving the Bolts the early advantage.
While Kucherov has always remained on the second line with Tyler Johnson and Ondrej Palat; however, since Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has found himself sidelined 1-3 months with a blood clot, Kucherov and Johnson have found themselves promoted to the first line along with Alex Killorn. Much like the Triplets, these three have really started to build some chemistry and close some of the gap left by Stamkos’ absence.
There is still plenty of hockey for the Tampa Bay Lightning to play this season; especially if they continue to play the way they did in the third period against the Red Wings on Wednesday night; however, Nikita Kucherov could find himself in a much bigger role once the postseason comes to a close.
Next: Lightning Vs. Red Wings: How Do These Two Teams Match Up?
While all signs point to Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos re-signing with the Lightning, there is always the possibility something falls through at the last minute; especially with the insecurity of not having a deal signed on the dotted line by the NHL Trade Deadline. Should the two sides not be able to come to terms on a new deal, the Lightning will have to look to someone to take the top spot.
That person very well could be Nikita Kucherov.