‘Obviously, I Knew’ — Kucherov Takes Back Scoring Lead Without Breaking A Sweat

Nikita Kucherov briefly claimed the top spot in scoring on Wednesday night following his three assists in a 4-1 victory against the Maple Leafs. However, the competition for the Art Ross Trophy remains fiercely contested among three players.

Tampa Bay’s Kucherov, who has been a consistent frontrunner throughout the season, leads with 130 points in 74 games. Nathan MacKinnon of Colorado follows closely with 127 points in 75 games, while Connor McDavid of Edmonton trails with 126 points in 71 games.

It’s unusual for the scoring race to be this tight so late into the season. Equally uncommon is the situation where the league’s leading point scorer isn’t widely considered a top contender for the Hart Trophy as league MVP.

Yet, Kucherov’s style contrasts significantly with that of MacKinnon, McDavid, and even Auston Matthews, who netted his league-leading 63rd goal on Wednesday.

McDavid speeds around the ice like a race car, while MacKinnon charges like a bull. Kucherov, on the other hand, appears almost effortless in his movements, exhibiting minimal exertion, a demeanor he maintains even during less intense moments such as the All-Star Game.

“Why exert more energy when you can anticipate where the puck will be?” remarked Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper.

Against the Leafs, Kucherov displayed omnipresence. His contributions ranged from setting up Viktor Hedman’s goal to assisting Brayden Point and Nick Paul. His teammates described his performance as “magical” and praised him as one of the world’s best.

Kucherov’s journey began in 2013, and his current points-per-game average only trails McDavid’s in the past 11 seasons. With three points on Wednesday, he surpassed his own record for most points in a single season with the Lightning, a record he previously set in 2018-19 when he won both the Art Ross Trophy and the Hart Trophy.

Despite personal achievements, Kucherov values team success above all, emphasizing the importance of securing wins for Tampa Bay, especially as they chase a higher playoff seed. Since the trade deadline, where Tampa Bay acquired Anthony Duclair and Matt Dumba, they’ve been on a 9-1-1 run, making them a formidable playoff contender, especially with Kucherov’s recent hot streak.

Even among a star-studded roster, Kucherov stands out, with a significant lead in points over his teammates. His exceptional vision, skating, and deceptive maneuvers earn him praise as a “special player” capable of executing extraordinary plays.

This season marks Kucherov’s fourth 100-point season in seven years. Despite a missed regular season in 2020-21, he returned for the playoffs, showcasing a remarkable pace of 114 points in 23 games.

Kucherov’s relentless work ethic and determination are evident, driving him to continuously elevate his game. As the playoffs approach, he remains focused on improvement, refusing to settle for his current level of performance.

While Kucherov acknowledges his confidence heading into the playoffs, he maintains that there’s room for improvement for himself and his teammates. This drive for excellence epitomizes his unwavering commitment to success, making him a marvel to behold on the ice.