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Lightning Morning News: Nikita Kucherov records 600th career assist

Jan 25, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) reacts to the referee against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

Just a few days after we celebrated Victor Hedman’s 600th career assist, we can raise a glass to Nikita Kucherov for duplicating the accomplishment. He did it in usual Kucherov fashion – as part of a multi-point game. Coming into the game with 598 assists, he quickly picked up number 599 by feeding Jake Guentzel on the power play. Then he scored a terrific goal of his own, dangling the puck around Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat before beating Cam Talbot. He hit the milestone with his third point of the night when he fed Darren Raddysh a one-timer (also on the power play).

We got the full Kucherov experience on the play as he zipped in on the entry. Then he turned it over with a pass not many players would even try. After Guentzel kept the puck in the zone, Kucherov drew the attention to himself before sliding the perfect pass right into Raddysh’s wheelhouse.

Kucherov is up to 68 points on the season, and 941 for his career. Can he get to 1,000 this year? We wouldn’t be against him. It does look like he’s on pace for his fifth 100-point season which would extend his franchise record. Hedman did pick up an assist of his own, so he holds off Kucherov for another day in regards to the franchise record in assists as he has 601. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the 31-year-old forward move past him as early as Monday in Toronto.

With it being a historic night for the generational player, it was one of the rare nights where he spoke with the media after the game. The self-effacing forward didn’t elaborate a lot about his achievement, noting that it was “cool”.

Congratulations to Nikita Kucherov.

Lightning News

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Geekie has been fighting it a bit as the season wears on, but a goal against Boston last Tuesday might be an indication that he’s getting back into the groove. The Lightning could use it from the 20-year-old as they head into the back-half of the season.

Coach Cooper Post-Game Comments

The Prospects

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Not much to report on this one as they were shutout by Michael DiPietro. Brandon Halverson was busy as made 29 saves. Providence took the game over in the second period as they scored three times to extend a 1-0 lead. The Crunch had five power play opportunities, but couldn’t convert.

Ethan Gauthier’s two points leads Drummondville to win [Drummondville Voltigeurs]

On Friday, top prospects Ethan Gauthier recorded a goal and an assist in Drummondville’s 4-2 win over Halifax. Gauthier is up to 40 points (17 goals, 23 assists) in 29 games this season.

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The Solar Bears dropped this one on home ice as Anthony Bardaro and Spencer Kersten were the lone goal scorers. Jayden Dureau did pick up an assist and is up to 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists) in 14 games with Orlando this year.

The Game

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Our friends at The Ice Garden have our beloved Montreal Victoire ranked second in their latest power rankings. Which is nice, but they were ranked first in the previous rankings. Let’s go!

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NHL informs players they are no longer withholding escrow [Frank Seravelli on Twitter]

As the league settles its 2023-24 financials, the bean counters at the league offices informed the players that they will be returning their escrow money from last season as the owners collected more than 50% of the league revenues. Moving forward, escrow also won’t be collected on paychecks moving forward for the remainder of this season. Invest that money wisely, kids.

NHL Predictions 4.0: New Stanley Cup favorite, the Vezina, and the playoff race [The Athletic]

The folks over at The Athletic have the Lightning up to a 3.7% chance of winning the Stanley Cup. That ties them for the fifth-best chances with Florida, Carolina, New Jersey, Toronto, and Winnipeg. Their odds of losing in the Stanley Cup Final are at 7.4% (also fifth).

Panthers GM Zito recalls Uecker as ‘larger than life’ [NHL.com]

We will use any excuse to post a link about Bob Uecker, one of the most entertaining and sincere people in the sports world. Uecker passed away last week at the age of 90. Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito was one of the thousands of Wisconsin natives who grew up listening to Uecker call Milwaukee Brewers games.

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