Much to the chagrin of fans around the league, the NHLPA has named Nikita Kucherov as their player of the week from March 29- April 4. All he did over that span was record 9 points (1 goal, 8 assists), set the team record for points in a season, post consecutive three-point games, and set a season record for assists by a winger with 90.
Since February 22nd, only one team has held Kucherov pointless in a game – the Anaheim Ducks. In the other 18 games he has 9 multi-point games, including a five-point game, two four-point games, and three three-point games. Not too shabby.
Other Hockey News
The Lightning clinched a playoff spot [Raw Charge]
Now that they’re in, they have as good of a chance as anyone else to make it to the Eastern Conference Final.
Mikey Eyssimont is the Lightning’s Masterton Nominee [The Hockey News]
Each team submits a nominee for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy which is awarded to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.” Eyssimont has earned a full-time role with the Bolts while also living with Crohn’s Disease. He has worked with various charities to help others dealing with the ailment.
Lightning have the NHL on alert again [The Athletic]
There were a lot of teams in the Eastern Conference that were hoping the Lightning had begun their decline to mediocrity after their slow start to the season. Their return to their winning ways have some of those same teams thinking, “not these guys again”.
Syracuse Crunch reduce magic number to two with 3-1 win over Laval [The AHL]
The Crunch are just a win away from joining the Lightning in the playoffs after defeating the Laval Rocket 3-1. Brandon Halverson, called up from Orlando after Matt Tomkins joined the Lightning, stopped 25 of 26 for the win. Daniel Walcott, Jack Finley, and Shawn Element scored for the Crunch while Tristan Allard had two assists.
Arizona Coyotes officially announce plan to stay in the Phoenix area [Arizona Coyotes]
The Coyotes revealed their plans for a new arena and entertainment district in Phoenix. The first step is that they have to be the highest bidder on the parcel of land that they want to build on. The auction will take place this June. If they win, they plan on building a state-of-the-art destination “without taxpayer funding”. This is likely their last shot at staying in Arizona, and if it falls through, the relocation rumors will really start flying.
Sharks sign Collin Graf [Fear the Fin]
In a bit of a surprise, the top player on the college free agent market signed with San Jose. Graf, who scored 22 goals for Quinnipiac this year, was pursued by up to 20 teams according to reports. Part of the reason he may have signed with the Sharks is that they provided a quick path to the NHL, as in this year. He will burn the first year out of his three-year entry-level deal by making his debut before the end of the season.
