Way back on November 25th, 2013, on his very first shot in the NHL, Nikita Kucherov fired a puck past future hall of famer Henrik Lundqvist for his first NHL goal.
Yes, he’s wearing “56” and yes Rick Peckham called him “Dimity”, but it was a moment Kucherov is unlikely to forget.
The New York Rangers were the first team he scored against. Last night he completed the circuit as he beat future hall of famer Jonathan Quick. Kucherov has now scored against all 31 teams in the NHL.
Oh, and he also extended his home scoring streak to 23 games. During this stretch he’s put up 42 points (8 goals, 34 assists). He’s tied Joe Sakic for the second longest home-point streak since 1990-91. Just some guy Mario left to catch.
Nikita Kucherov is climbing this list! 📈@TBLightning | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/PuLtVLrRY1
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 8, 2023
The Bolts do have enough home games this season for Kucherov to tie Lemieux.
Oh, and he had just another ho-hum 3-point game to raise his season total to 94 points (26 goals, 68 assists).
Lightning / NHL News
Coach Cooper’s post game comments [NHL.com]
“The best we’ve played in a while.” Coach Cooper liked how his team played and felt they deserved the points they earned.
Michael Eyssimont hopes to find a home with the Lightning [Tampa Bay Times]
After bouncing around a few teams over the last couple of years the 26-year-old hopes to stick around Tampa for a little while.
Bogo’s BBQ with Josh Duhamel [NHL.com]
The guy who is not Timothy Olyphant joins Zach Bogosian to cook some meat and Bogo reveals that he’s the only person of Armenian descent to play in the NHL. He also uses his old sticks to make the handles of his BBQ utensils.
2013 NHL Draft Do-over [ESPN]
It’s been awhile since the Lightning drafted in the top 5. The last time they did was in 2013 when they picked Jonathan Drouin. The staff at ESPN takes their hand at redrafting and the deviation starts with the Lightning as they have the Bolts draft Bo Horvat instead of the Drouin.
Top ten college free agents to watch [Daily Face Off]
With the college season winding down some undrafted players will start signing professional contracts. Since the Lightning are a little short on draft picks, this could be another avenue for keeping their prospect cabinets full. Declan Carlile was signed out of Merrimack College about this time last year.
TRAAAAAADDDEE – Coyotes trade for Steven Kampfer [Five for Howling]
Yes the NHL trade deadline is over, but that just means players acquired now aren’t eligible to play in the NHL or the playoffs. Kampfer was brought in to help out the AHL Tucson Roadrunners as they try and qualify for the playoffs.
Kirill Kaprizov out 3-4 weeks [Hockey Wilderness]
The Wild have been one of the best teams in the West of late. Now they will have to stay in contention without their best player. Old friend Sammy Walker was recalled in his absence.
Tyler Seguin leaves game with leg laceration [TSN]
Another top team in the West might have a major injury to deal with as the Dallas Stars saw Tyler Seguin leave their game against the Buffalo Sabres with a cut above his knee. It appears that his leg was lacerated by a skate blade.
What happens after a NHL trade [The Athletic]
Joe Smith takes an in-depth look at the logistics of getting a player from one team to the next. Hotels, apartments, and pets are all things that have to be considered after the deals have been done.
Isobel Cup to be played at Mullett Arena [The Ice Garden]
The PHF has announced that the Isobel Cup Final will be held at Mullett Arena in Arizona on March 26th. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2 and TSN.
