Player Discussion: Nikita Kucherov - Part 3

DFC

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Sep 26, 2013
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How has he looked in terms of the eye test in the regular season games so far this year?
He's the second best player on planet earth. Maybe not the second most skilled, but the second most effective. I still believe we won't see as many points from him thus year simply because we won't be so dependant on offense to get into the playoffs. Even so, honestly I think he's underrated in a historical sense. I grew up watching the dominant Red Wings, and Kucherov is the best forward I've ever followed game by game. Better than any Lightning or Red Wings forward I saw. The only player I'd put above him is Lidstrom, of the guys I followed game by game.
 
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These Are The Days

I need about tree fiddy
May 17, 2014
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16 SOG in 3 games.
If he's really trying to shoot more this season, he's definitely hitting 60G
We saw what happened when Yzerman called him fat. Screwing him out of MVP may have been that motivation he needed to reach whatever deeper level he has. It is kind of alarming how foul and temperamental his body language is out there. Not that he's unhappy and being a diva here. I am saying the chip on his shoulder reminds me of Tom Brady as opposed to Jordan. Jordan had everyone worshipping him and basked in his glory talking shit. Brady had critics saying others were better and was often petulant as hell but went out there and dazzled every game. Kucherov is nasty and volatile right now and I love it
 

JFedol

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May 25, 2023
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Calgary, Alberta
He's off to a fantastic start goal-scoring wise and it's still 3 games lol, but I hope he still manages to rack up a shit load of assists at some point. Last year's season was straight up satisfying playmaking wise. There were so many dishes that were just jaw-dropping and surely a player like Guentzel or the any other PP1 options besides from Point and Hedman won't f*** up with those grade A passes as the season starts playing out.

100 assists should still be a lock for him. If not, then at least 75+ or APG. Too good of a playmaker. and a player like Radysh isn't THAT bad lol.

I'll still stand by the 125 assist prediction, IDC.
 

DFC

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I don't think 100 assists is possible to be a lock for anyone. It was an incredible feat. Kuch COULD do it again, but odds are always against something that's been done by 5 players literally ever.

I don't think Kuch will be so "all out" this year. We don't look like we are gonna need him to carry the team as much.

I think 40+80 is pretty reasonable. Would love to see him burn the NHL down though.
 

These Are The Days

I need about tree fiddy
May 17, 2014
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I know they are trying out all the combos for our PP But putting the best RW in the world (which happens to be the best right half wall PP player the NHL has ever seen) ON THE LEFT SIDE... what are we doing here.
I know it sounds counter-intuitive to put Kucherov in Stamkos' old office. But it worked in the bubble Cup run and it worked last night. The Devils didn't have a clue how to stop us and I give it good odds that no one else will too for a while. We had masterful efficency with Stamkos literally just standing like a statue most of the time. At least until it was time to shoot. Now imagine the chaos Kucherov is going to create on his forehand with players moving their feet
 

JFedol

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May 25, 2023
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Calgary, Alberta
One thing I'll mention is that Raddysh and Perbix are absolutely dogshit at converting Kuch's passes lol. It wasn't a pass, but that one sequence in the 2nd where Nikita lifted that one Devils player stick to create an open lane all just for I think it was Perbix? to shoot straight into the f***ing chest was infuriating.

Another one was that one pass to a one timer that went extremely wide by Raddysh?. I mean c'mon, work on your accuracy. Holy.
 
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DFC

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Sep 26, 2013
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I know they are trying out all the combos for our PP But putting the best RW in the world (which happens to be the best right half wall PP player the NHL has ever seen) ON THE LEFT SIDE... what are we doing here.
It was the most dangerous our PP looked this year though.

I still am not too worried that we are gonna have a top 5 PP. Personelle is too good and Kucherov is too good. But how it will look is still up for debate.

He has 2 assists now according to NHL.com.
Sneezing points even after the game ends.
 

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