Nikita Kucherov became the Tampa Bay Lightning’s all-time points leader with 1,138 points. His record-breaking point came on an assist to Brayden Point’s power-play goal against the Utah Mammoth. Kucherov moved past longtime teammate Steven Stamkos after tying him at 1,137 points.
Point has been Kucherov’s top scoring connection
Point has scored 169 goals assisted by Kucherov, the most of any player who has shared the ice with him. Steven Stamkos ranks next with 133 goals set up by Kucherov. Point has scored 326 goals over 11 NHL seasons.
Point said Kucherov has helped the Lightning accomplish special things and called playing with him one of the highlights of his career. He also identified a June 15, 2021, playoff goal against the New York Islanders as one of the best passes he has received from Kucherov. Kucherov won a race behind the net before delivering a no-look pass to Point at the right post for the goal.
“When he made that short-side pass on a rim, it was the way he got the stick around his body,” Point said. “It was pretty remarkable, and I was ready for it. But just the fact that he was able to do it and get it to me was a pretty special play.” Point also credited Kucherov’s vision and ability to process where teammates will be before the puck arrives.
Hedman witnessed Kucherov’s rise
Victor Hedman was on the Tampa Bay Lightning roster for Kucherov’s NHL debut in November 2013. Kucherov scored on his first career shot on goal during his first NHL shift in a 5-0 win over the New York Rangers. Hedman said he quickly recognized Kucherov’s ability to see the ice and create plays.
“Obviously he scored on his first shift ever, but you saw it right away in the way he saw the ice and the way he can make plays,” Hedman said. “It took him a little time to get to the top line, as for all the young guys it takes some time. But he put in the work and just kept taking it to the next step.”
Kucherov has scored 405 career goals, second most in Tampa Bay Lightning franchise history. Hedman has assisted on 96 of those goals, more than any other player. Hedman said Kucherov’s playmaking and scoring ability make him difficult for opponents to read.
Longtime teammates shared the milestone
Point and Hedman watched Kucherov reach the franchise scoring record after years of contributing to his production. Hedman celebrated with Kucherov after he tied Stamkos at 1,137 points, while Point scored the goal that produced point No. 1,138. Point was also among the first players to greet Kucherov after the record was secured.
Hedman described Kucherov as a hardworking player whose talent and intelligence have helped drive his success. “It’s been fun to watch and follow his journey, but it’s not a fluke,” Hedman said. “He puts in the work, and I think he’s on the ice 340 days a year.” Kucherov’s record therefore reflects both his individual production and his long-running connections with Point and Hedman.
FSB Take
Kucherov’s record is tied directly to the teammates who have been central to his Tampa Bay Lightning career. Point finished the play that delivered point No. 1,138, while Hedman has assisted on 96 of Kucherov’s goals. Their roles in the milestone highlight how the franchise record was reached through sustained production within the Lightning’s core.
Source: Original report