If you look back at Kucherov's postseason career, he has usually been very productive. What's next: Kucherov disappeared in the final four games of the East final last season against Caps and that gave him an unfair reputation. Key stat: Kucherov's 31 even-strength goals were tied for third-most in the NHL, behind only Connor McDavid and Alex Ovechkin. Settle and watch the best player in a Lightning uniform. You would think that a relaxed and confident Kucherov off the ice would lead to a relaxed, confident and really productive player on the ice. He appears relaxed and confident, especially with the media.
What was especially noticeable this preseason was just how comfortable Kucherov seems to be off the ice. Notice we just said he racked up 100 points for the "first time'' because we fully expect there are more where that came from. Last season, he racked up 100 points for the first time in his career and finished third in the scoring race, just eight points behind leader Connor McDavid and two points behind Claude Giroux.Īnd, at age 25, Kucherov is just now coming into his prime. Not only is Kucherov the team's best player, he is among the top five players in the game. If he can make one good postseason run, his name will be engrave on the Stanley Cup. Where Stamkos needs to make a real difference is in the playoffs. But if Stamkos can continue to chip in with 25 goals or so a season, the Lightning will be satisfied, especially with Nikita Kucherov and the emergence of Brayden Point to carry the offensive load. What's next: The days of being a 40-goal guy likely are over for Stamkos at this point. Key stat: In six Game 7s in his career, Stamkos has zero points.
And he remains one of the game's great leaders on and off the ice.īut this season will go a long way in telling which way Stamkos' career is headed. His 15 power-play goals, many the product of his wicked one-timer, were tied for third in the league. Stamkos remains deadly on the power play. So, how do you judge last season? Just a slight off season by a player who has always put up huge numbers? Or the beginning of a slight decline in a player who has played 10 hard seasons with serious injuries and illnesses?
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