After an eight-point week, Nikita Kucherov was honored as the second star of the week by the NHL. Kucherov had 2 goals and 6 assists in 3 games with 5 of those points coming on the power play. He entered Monday’s game with a league-leading 15 goals and 35 points as he tries for the fourth 100-point season in his career. He is already the only player in Lightning history to have hit the century mark in more than one season.
Connor McDavid (3 goals, 9 assists) was the first star while Juuse Saros (3 games, 3 wins, 2.35 GAA) was the third star of the week. Kucherov is the second Lightning player to receive a star of the week joining Jonas Johansson who was the second star of the week that ended on October 29th.
Lightning / NHL News
Lightning lose to Avalanche [Raw Charge]
“We just didn’t have it” is how Coach Cooper put it after the game. A mix of penalties against and a solid game from Colorado netminder Alexandar Georgiev led to a 4-1 loss for the Bolts.
Ten Game Report: They are playing better [Raw Charge]
The underlying numbers show that the Lightning are starting to find their game. Now they have to turn those numbers into actual goals and wins.
It’s time to fear the Lightning and Devils [The Athletic]
“For now, they’re not in the Top Five running. But a week or two from now, who knows? If Vasilevskiy looks strong, we might have to reconsider a team that a lot of us were waiting to write off. And if you’re a fan of one of the other Atlantic contenders, that might be a scary development.”
Behind the scenes with Michigan State [The Athletic]
Scott Wheeler spent some time with the Spartans and details how they’ve turned their program around under new head coach Adam Nightingale. One of the reasons is Lightning prospect Isaac Howard, who transferred to the team last summer and is tied for the team lead in points with 17 in 16 games.
It’s the Dad’s trip for the Lightning and they spent Sunday watching a little football up close.
You’re FIIIIIIIIIIRRRREEEDDD [Hockey Wilderness]
Dean Evason is out in Minnesota and it appears John Hynes will be replacing him behind the bench. A seven-game losing streak had dropped them to 30th in the league, just a mere four points ahead of San Jose.
Ryan Hartman suspended for two games [ESPN]
Hynes will have to wait a few days to see his forward play as Harman was suspended for two games for slewfooting Alex DeBrincat.
NHL announces changes to All-Star Weekend [ESPN]
The draft is back, baby! For the first time since 2015, the All-Star captains will draft their team on Thursday February 1st in Toronto. Following the draft there will be a 3-on-3 game with the Professional Women’s Hockey League. A “revamped” skills competition will take place on Friday, with the games taking place on Saturday and featuring celebrity captain partners. Maybe there will be a Shoresy sighting?
