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!

 

[olli]

With McDavid off too another slow start and now out for a few weeks we could very well see a Kuch vs MacKinnon art ross race and hart race again

 

[JFedol]

With McDavid off too another slow start and now out for a few weeks we could very well see a Kuch vs MacKinnon art ross race and hart race again

f*** Duekinnon, it should be a individual Stomping on the league for a redeeming Hart win for Kuch.

 

[JFedol]

That Guentzel goal with the unbelievable assist by Kuch was insane. Its plays like that that me wonder how Kuch would've fared out as a centre if he ever made that transition. I think we would've been way more dominant at our peaks with a hypothetical Kuch centre with the same production.

He's still the GOAT though

 

[These Are The Days]

Might be time to borrow from Good Ol Jim Ross and call him the Cerebral Assassin.

 

[DFC]

Lol imagine what will happen if/when the PP starts clicking.

 

[CupsOverCash]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1851794435169804720

 

[JFedol]

Once again hoping he has a CRAZY game soon to retake the lead in scoring. McDavid is out for some considerable action and now's the time to regain the lead. Also hoping that he racks up assists sooner than later, I will always still stand by that 125 assist prediction.

Overall though, Mackinnon could go apeshit but Kaprizov, Makar and Reinhart are medicore contenders for the Ross lmao GTFOH.

 

[EmptyNetAssassin]

The main board locked my thread because they can make up bs to spin Mackinnon was the mvp last year or the better plyaer. HE is worse defensiely and offensively than kucherov. Makar and him are the definition of soft. They cant carry a team on their own and disappear against equal or better talent. Kucherov on the other hand steps up and carries the team.

 

[LightningStrikes]

https://x.com/i/web/status/1853203402202747120

 

[JFedol]

I expect more shots and arguably 2 goals today considering Point's game time decision

 

[JFedol]

Disgusting GOAL lol, he's either trailing Reinhart right now (I can't tell) but he should be a favourite for the Rocket as of right now

 

[JFedol]

Also, this tenure without Point could lowkey add more legacy points (as if he wasn't already good in that department) if he produces and manages to win games IMO. Kuch obviously has the 2017 season with Stamko's injury, and has had Palat, Johnson and JT Brown centre him at some point and be productive. But at the end of thay day, It just all but reinforces that he's elite with or w/o an elite centreman

 

[Zwui21]

Kuch needs to turn the heat up. MacKinnon is up to 30 points in 16 games.
Kuch is 7 points back with 2 games in hand.

 

[LightningStrikes]

Kuch needs to turn the heat up. MacKinnon is up to 30 points in 16 games.
Kuch is 7 points back with 2 games in hand.

Gonna be tough without his 1C.

 

[TheDaysOf 04]

Nikita Kucherov recorded his 257th multi-point game, tying Martin St. Louis for the second most in franchise history. The only player with more is Steven Stamkos (307).

Nikita Kucherov tallied his 40th point in his 25th game of the season, tying Steven Stamkos for the second-fewest games needed to reach the mark. Kucherov in 2023-24 required 24 contests.

Nikita Kucherov registered his 31st career four-point outing which is the most in franchise history. Three of those came in the second period, which marked his 25th career three-point period – the most in franchise history.

Nikita Kucherov (1-4—5) recorded his 582nd career assist and tied Steven Stamkos for the third most in franchise history. The only players with more are Victor Hedman (593) and Martin St. Louis (588).

Nikita Kucherov recorded his second six-point game on the road (also Nov. 24, 2023 at CAR). The only players in NHL history with more outings are Wayne Gretzky (10), Mario Lemieux (6), Pat LaFontaine (4), Peter Stastny (4), Dino Ciccarelli (3) and Dale Hawerchuk (3).

 

[bigdaddio]

Ignoring the points this is the Kuch I want to see. He made 2 great defensive steals that led to goals. The backchecking thief Kuch is good. I don't recall any egregious passes. That is good Kuch. Keep this up please.

 

[OffBy1]

Regarding the points, he's now in second with games in hand on MacGuaranteedHartTrophy.

 

[Boltswin]

Regarding the points, he's now in second with games in hand on MacGuaranteedHartTrophy.

I watched a BucsRaysBolts video yesterday that showed the scoring race with Mackinnon leading Kuch. I just thought, “like it f***ing matters who the points leader is between those 2”. Conn Smythe and Hart were consolation prizes last season.

Edit: autocorrect f***ed “consolation” into “consolidation”

 

[DrMartinVanNostrand]

Kucherov is comfortably on pace to get to 1,000 regular season points this year. He's 83 points shy and currently on pace to pick up 97 more points before the season ends.

(He passed the 1,000 overall points threshold last season.)

 

[Rschmitz]

Not up to last years totals, but I don't think he's been playing on fire this year either (yeah I know he just had 6 points last night)