Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov always turns things around
Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is Mr. Hot Streak, and he continues to prove his elite level scoring as the NHL season progresses into 2019
Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning is a consistently slow starter. At least by his extremely lofty standards. Despite reaching 100 points last year, and likely hitting that mark again this year, Kucherov seems to need some time to get things going. But when he does, look out.
In October, he was a modest 12 points in 12 games type player. Elite without question. However, fast forward to December, and we’re seeing an unprecedented level of play from the Russian superstar.
Setting a Tampa Bay Lightning record this month, Kucherov is currently riding a nine-game point streak with 19 points in that span. In the past two games, Kucherov has a whopping two goals and seven assists. In the month of December, Kucherov has 26 points in 12 games. That’s a good month of hockey.
After a ridiculous stretch in December, Kucherov now leads in the NHL in points with 61. What is even more interesting is his production is a clear-cut aspect of the Lightning’s ability to succeed.
The Lightning are currently riding a four-game winning streak and are hoping to separate themselves from the surging Toronto Maple Leafs. As long as Kucherov continues to play at an MVP-level, they seem borderline unstoppable.
The biggest reason for the Lightning’s current success is the powerplay. Kucherov leads the league with 22 power play points and his team has an NHL-leading 29.8% conversion rate. Their power play is a strong blend of speed and skill, and their ability to control the puck is simply unmatched right now.
The Lightning have one of the most complete teams and their time to win a Stanley Cup is right now. Steven Stamkos is healthy and producing, and Kucherov is truly an MVP-quality player. Even with such strong forwards, the Lightning boast strong defense and goaltending as well.
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As the Lightning try to take over the Eastern Conference en route to another playoff berth, players and fans alike will be hoping they can keep the same momentum coming out of the All-Star Break, especially when the games matter later in the season. The current generation of Lightning players have always been considered great, but they will need to prove it when the right time comes around.