“I proved today that I can play”: Nikita Kucherov on taking NHL points lead while scoring stunning first short-handed goal against Edmonton Oilers

Nikita Kucherov turned this season into something historic, as the Tampa Bay Lightning star took over the NHL scoring lead on Saturday night with a four-point performance in a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place. The 32-year-old is taking immense pride as he had two goals and two assists, including the first shorthanded goal in his NHL career. His relentless work ethic and excellent playmaking skills have made him one of the most prolific offensive players in the league with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Kucherov, who took the NHL points lead, now sits at 118 points on the season, with 40 goals and 78 assists through 64 games. Reports suggest that he even moved past Connor McDavid, who scored in the loss and has 116 points (38 goals, 78 assists) in 71 games.

Whereas Kucherov has 67 points with 22 goals, 45 assists, and 29 games, which is 21 more than McDavid (46 points; 14 goals, 32 assists) and 23 more than Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon (44 points; 11 goals, 33 assists), as reported by NHL.com.

Nikita Kucherov proves his worth by taking the NHL scoring lead, surpassing Connor McDavid in the Art Ross Trophy race

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has displayed a dominant performance with four points to lead the club and win over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday. According to reports, during the match, Kucherov scored two goals and added two assists against the Oilers, extending his streak of multi-point performances and moving into the NHL scoring lead with 118 points, including his 40th goal of the season and his first career short-handed goal in the game.

Speaking about his achievement to NHL, the 32-year-old forward, taking pride, stated, "I'm happy to play PK if needed. I think I proved tonight that I can play." Further adding about his performance and game strategy at Rogers Place, he stated, “I like to study. I like to watch players on different teams and add it to my game what they have. Just be consistent as much as I can and try to go out there, help my team play the right way and execute.”


On their win, Kucherov explained that it’s a whole team effort, and of late, the team has been playing well, following the game plan, and executing the playing strategy that is indeed paying off.

Meanwhile, expressing his happiness at Kucherov’s winning streak, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said, “That kid’s on quite a run. I don’t know many players in this league who have four points in a game period, let alone the amount of times he gets them. It’s pretty magnificent. It was pretty cool that he got his first shorty tonight, that was a lot of fun on the bench.”

He further said that he is blessed to see him join the ranks of star NHL players like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. “I’m blessed to be able to see him every night. I love when we come out West and true hockey fans get to see him. They’re blessed to see Connor McDavid every night and Leon Draisaitl and you get to throw Kuch in the mix with the greats that play this game. It’s fun for everyone,” he added.

In addition to this, Nikita Kucherov has overtaken McDavid and strengthened his Art Ross bid. It will be interesting to see which deserving NHL star will ultimately claim the Art Ross Trophy this season.


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