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Nikita Kucherov is Heating Up at the Right Time for Tampa

By Suraj Sukumar

Mar 27, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (16) attempts to defend Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during overtime at Amalie Arena. The Lightning won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Marcus Kruger (16) attempts to defend Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during overtime at Amalie Arena. The Lightning won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nikita Kucherov is not going down without a fight and is the main reason for the Tampa Bay Lighting’s postseason hopes

Nikita Kucherov is slowly approaching superstar level. Playing in Tampa Bay may hide his talents, but ridiculously-skilled Russian has been tearing up the NHL over the last 30 days.

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Leading the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 7-3-0 record over their last 10, Kucherov compiled 10 goals and seven assists in that span.  He now sits sixth in NHL scoring, and is second in goals with 38, three less than the league leader Sidney Crosby.

Injury-Plagued Up Front

One of the main reasons for Kucherov’s coming out party is the absence of Steven Stamkos and Tyler Johnson. While Kucherov and Johnson came up together, Stamkos has not been a consistent contributor on this team for quite some time.

With Johnson missing ample time due to injury as well, the reigns have completely fallen on Kucherov, but he has welcomed it with open arms. With little offensive talent, Kucherov has not only solidified himself as the Lightning’s best but as one of the NHL’s best as well. He continues to perform as a top line player, and his numbers are downright frightening.

As it stands, Ondrej Palat and Brayden Point have the pleasure of playing alongside Kucherov, and they are doing well as a top unit. Not to mention, the second line of Alex Killorn, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Jonathan Drouin is not too shabby either.

Lighting Still Have a Chance at Postseason

The Lighting are only three points out of a playoff spot, and have seven games left to play. Right on their tail are the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes. Both teams sit at 82 points on the year, and are just one back of the Lightning’s 83.

Luckily for the Lightning, they have been playing out of their minds, and have plenty of momentum heading into the final two weeks. At the same time, the Boston Bruins have a tight grip on the second wild-card spot, and the New York Rangers have clinched the first.

For the Lightning to continue their rise, they must continue their success on the road. They went 5-1 in March and improved their overall road record to  17-15-6. They have been a strong, consistent home team since the start, and maintain a record of 20-14-3 heading into April.

Next: Philadelphia Flyers Gunning Hard for NHL Playoff Spot

The Lightning will end March against the Detroit Red Wings at home and will play two more times in Florida against the Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars. Before ending the season at home against the Buffalo Sabres, the Lightning will head on the road for three very important games against the Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and again the Canadiens.

If they can steal one against the Bruins, and one in Canada, they have a very good chance at making the postseason. They have proven experience and should be able to win at least three games at home. If they do, expect a very tight race for the second Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

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