Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov took part in the victory over Nashville (6:2) and recalled that there are no former league MVPs: although the Russian won his Hart Trophy 3 years ago, he remains one of the most skillful players in the NHL . For others, such a brilliant pass, which he gave out in the game with the “predators”, is simply beyond their power!

Why don’t they like Kucherov?

In the days leading up to the Nashville encounter, Kucherov received a lot of criticism for a move against Toronto winger Mitchell Marner that many considered dirty and intentional. The Russian hit the opponent with his shoulder, and then hit him on the knee with his skate.

Kucherov is no stranger to hostility and even hatred in his address: hockey fans annually find reasons for this, ranging from similar strength exercises to a hip injury last year, which many considered just an excuse to bring Kucherov’s contract beyond the salary cap. This story in Tampa was even dedicated championship t-shirt.

Photo: © Personal archive of Nikita Kucherov

But still, the main task of the Tampa Bay striker is not to beat opponents and annoy the fans, but to create the beauty that he manages alone. So, Kucherov, in addition to the Heart Trophy and the most productive season among Russians in history with 128 points, is famous for the highest hockey IQ and incredible skill, which he regularly hones not only in general training, but also in his garage with artificial ice and goals. It is the huge amount of work done that allows him to create things on the ice that delight fans, coaches and partners. It is worth remembering at least his now-legendary shootout without a shot, which he converted against Washington. 5 years have passed since then, and in leagues around the world they are trying to repeat the “Kucherov bullet”.

Lost from the radar

The current season began unsuccessfully for the Russian – he was injured in the third game, having been out for three months. This pause did not allow him to fully participate in the scorer’s race and it seemed that the hockey world had forgotten a little about the Russian magician from Florida. Moreover, Tampa played the whole season, although confidently, but far from being a champion, without attracting much attention from the hockey community outside its city.

But the closer the playoffs are, the more important are the game connections, tactics and, most importantly, the attitude with which the teams approach the knockout matches. And “Tampa”, obviously, finally gained fighting condition. And in many respects this is the merit of Kucherov.

Anger and failure are the best motivator for him. There is no person in the NHL more upset than Kucherov if Tampa is losing and the game is not going well for him, and everyone around is discussing the reception against Marner. It’s time to remind about your hockey skills, which the Russian did.

“We never know what he plans to do”

Nikita Kucherov / Photo: © REUTERS / Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In the match against Nashville, the Lightning came close to defeat, but managed six goals into the opponent’s goal, while conceding twice. The first period turned out to be the richest in goals, in which Tampa scored half of its goals, opening the gates of the Predators in the second minute. Victor Hedman scored in the majority, and Kucherov became one of the assistants, who gave a flawless pass through the gate to Stamkos.

Tampa then doubled the lead and conceded. And at the end of the first period, Kucherov put a bullet point, who was greedy, dragged the puck across the floor for the most part and, adjusting under the goal, invested in a throw from the left face-off circle – 3:1.

But the Russian saved the best moment of the day for dessert: in the second twenty-minute period, with a score of 3:2, he gave a blind pass from the center to Stamkos, who was hiding to the left of the goal, who put the puck into the goal in touch. At this moment, Kucherov did not even turn his head towards his captain, having received the puck from his partner: he did all the necessary calculations in advance, and simply realized the perfect assist, causing admiration on social networks. How does he do it? It turns out that even partners do not know this.

“To be honest, we never know what he plans to do,” Hedman said. – But we know what place to take on the ice so that he can simply find you with a pass.

In the last 17 matches, Kucherov scored 24 points, literally switching to the “beast” mode. His super-form is more than ever useful: there is only a week left before the start of the playoffs.

NHL. Regular season

Tampa Bay Lightning (Tampa) – Nashville Predators (Nashville) – 6:2 (3:1, 1:1, 2:0)

Goals: Hedman, 1:51 (bol.). Cirelli, 10:59. Kucherov, 19:40 (bol.). Stamkos, 33:58. Colton, 41:37. Maroun, 42:08. – Yossi, 17:18 (bol.). Carrier, 30:42 (bol.).