Player Discussion: Nikita Kucherov - Part 3

[LightningStrikes]

I think his play style should age pretty well. It’s not about physicality, skating, explosiveness, his shot or stick handling. It’s all about vision and reading and predicting the play, understanding where all the moving parts are gonna be and what the opposition is (not) expecting, doing the unpredictable while (almost) standing still. Have a mobile linemate enter the zone and hand the puck to Kuch and good things will happen.

 

[DFC]

I just wanted to come here and say that Kucherov might be the most underappreciated Superstar that this league has ever seen. As a Sens fan, I tune into Lightning games often and he is head and shoulders above his peers night in and night out. His overall talent and skillset is only second to a few over the past 20 years. How do you guys view his career and longevity in a few years as he enters his mid 30s? I think he can be effective into his late 30s due to his style of play.

Yeah. One of the things that separates Kucherov is how OFTEN he's the most dangerous player on the ice. I guess that only fully comes through when you understand what makes him dangerous. Like if you're judging him by attacking the net or stick handling though 3 guys, you don't get it yet. He's just so, so unpredictable to defenses and goalies.

As for longevity, I think most of us are convinced he will age well. Honestly I'm not sure he isn't still improving. His game is so cerebral, so not based in physical skills. Experience seems to be making him better.

 

[StutzlingAway]

Yeah. One of the things that separates Kucherov is how OFTEN he's the most dangerous player on the ice. I guess that only fully comes through when you understand what makes him dangerous. Like if you're judging him by attacking the net or stick handling though 3 guys, you don't get it yet. He's just so, so unpredictable to defenses and goalies.

As for longevity, I think most of us are convinced he will age well. Honestly I'm not sure he isn't still improving. His game is so cerebral, so not based in physical skills. Experience seems to be making him better.

I agree with that. He reminds me of Lionel Messi in soccer. Reads the game so well even as he slows down he's so lethal. Then the part where they rarely ever make a bad pass or read is surreal.

 

[Tampa22]

I agree with that. He reminds me of Lionel Messi in soccer. Reads the game so well even as he slows down he's so lethal. Then the part where they rarely ever make a bad pass or read is surreal.

Love both sports and never compared it, but good observation between Messi and Kuchergod!