Nikita Kucherov has joined fellow elite scorer Connor McDavid in the exclusive members-only club with 100 assists. Since Bobby Orr achieved the feat in 1970-71 for the Boston Bruins, it is only the 15th time it has been achieved. Kucherov becomes just the fifth different player in NHL history to record a 100-assist campaign and following McDavid, remarkably second this year alone. Kucherov received the puck as it was being passed around and calmly laid one in the slot for Brayden Point. Point took a second to stop up the puck, but then deposited it far side, post and in, behind Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Martin Jones.
100 ASSISTS FOR KUCH 🤩 pic.twitter.com/tY7UUV9XMr
— x – Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) April 18, 2024
Nikita Kucherov Notches 100 Assists on the 2023-24 Campaign
In picking up 100 assists, Nikita Kucherov is also like McDavid in another way. That is, their ultimate focus is on the 2024 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs. Also, like McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers, the Tampa Bay Lightning started the season slow. But both teams have come on as the season has worn on. The Lightning have had a strong-hold on the top Eastern Conference Wild Card position for a little while now. They will rely on Kucherov’s offensive attack to help carry them in the post-season. When you are relying on a scorer of his prowess, why not?
What More Can You Say About the Superstar Kucherov
Nikita Kucherov is having an incredible offensive season to go along with his 100 assists. He should hold on to the Art Ross standing as the NHL’s regular season scoring title. That is, unless the Colorado Avalanche Nathan MacKinnon has a huge night in his season finale. Furthermore, this would mark Kucherov’s second such triumph. He captured the Art Ross in 2018-19 with 41 goals and 87 assists for 128 points. This year, with the goal and assist so far tonight, Kucherov sits at 44 goals and 100 assists.
Main photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
