Nikita Kucherov Scores 900th Career Point Against Blue Jackets – Hockey Writers – Tampa Bay Lightning

Nikita Kucherov scored his 900th career point when he assisted on Brandon Hagel’s first period goal during the Lightning’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Kucherov joins Steven Stamkos (555-582-1137) and Martin St. Louis (365-588-953) as the only players in franchise history to hit the mark. He is also the third fastest player in the mark, behind Connor McDavid (602) and Sidney Crosby (677).

Kuuuuch 🥳

Nikita Kucherov marks the point of the NHL No. 900, becoming the 7th player born in Russia to reach the milestone. pic.twitter.com/29UElwATY5

— NHLPA (@NHLPA) November 22, 2024

A second-round pick (No. 58) by the Lightning in the 2011 NHL Draft, Kucherov played like a first-round talent. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL’s leading scorer in 2018-19 with 128 points (41 goals, 87 assists), the most in a single season by a Russian-born player, and was voted Hart and Ted winner. Lindsay Trophies.

Kucherov had his first 30-goal season in 2015-16, reached 40 goals in 2016-17, and finished third in NHL scoring in 2017-18 with 100 points (39 goals , 61 assists), helping lightning. to win the Atlantic Division. But that was a prelude to 2018-19, when he led the NHL with 128 points (41 goals, 87 assists), setting the single-season scoring record by a Russian-born player. He led all players in scoring during the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists), helping the Lightning win their first championship since 2004.

After missing the entire 2020-21 regular season recovering from hip surgery, Kucherov returned to score 32 points (eight goals, 24 assists) in 23 playoff games to help the Lightning win their second straight Stanley Cup title. He led the playoffs in points (32) with 19 coming on the power play to become the sixth player to lead the postseason in scoring in consecutive seasons, the first since Mario Lemieux (1991-92).