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The Day After 71.0: Nikita Kucherov makes Hart Trophy case in commanding win over Oilers

Photo credit: © Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
It was the Nikita Kucherov show in Edmonton on Saturday night, as the Russian star led the Lightning to a 5-2 win over the Oilers with two goals and two assists.
Kucherov leapfrogged Connor McDavid into the league lead in scoring with the four-point performance. He now sits two points clear of Edmonton’s captain in the Art Ross race with 118, while his 40 goals are five back of Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon for the Rocket Richard.
After McDavid opened the scoring late in the first, Tampa Bay responded early in the second to tie the game. Jake Guentzel gave the Lightning the lead midway through the frame on the power play, and Kucherov extended it to 3-1 with a shorthanded goal just seconds after stepping out of the penalty box to end a two-man advantage for Edmonton.
Josh Samanski scored his first NHL goal seven minutes into the third to pull the Oilers within one, but that was as close as the home side would get. Kucherov buried his second of the night with under five minutes remaining, and Anthony Cirelli added an empty-netter to seal it.
For Tampa Bay, the win keeps them within striking distance of the red-hot Buffalo Sabres in the race for top spot in the Atlantic Division. The Oilers remain second in the Pacific after Vegas also lost on Saturday, but they lost ground to Anaheim, who moved three points clear with a win over Utah.
This was also one that voters will likely remember when it’s time to cast their ballots for the Hart Trophy.
Kucherov didn’t just pad his totals, he drove the game. He swung momentum, capitalized on Edmonton’s biggest opportunity, and controlled the pace whenever he was on the ice. Over his last three games, he has 12 points, and Tampa Bay has won all three.
What they said…
Oilers captain Connor McDavid on what the Lightning do well in order to have consistent success…
“They got a great system. They’re perfectly coached. They all know what they’re doing all over the ice. It’s impressive. They’re a great team.”“They’re extremely well coached they’re extremely well organized. They’re very very rehearsed in everything that they do. It’s very impressive and when you do break them down, they got a heck of a goalie to back stop them.”
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch on the Oilers allowing a shorthanded goal late in the second…
“That was our opportunity to get back into it. Our power play has been so key. When you look at how many power-play goals we’ve got this year at key times, tonight was one of those key times that could have really changed the course of the game. Not only getting one, but possibly getting two during that power play, but then you end up being minus one during that. That’s disappointing.”
Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov on his four-point performance in the win over Edmonton…
“I think it’s just the love for the game I have. I like to study. I like to watch players on different teams and add it to my game what they have. Just be consistent as much as I can and try to go out there, help my team play the right way and execute.”
Tampa Bay head coach Jon Cooper on the Hart Trophy-calibre season Kucherov is having…
“That kid’s on quite a run. I don’t how many players in this League have four points in a game period, let alone the amount of times he gets them.“I’m blessed to be able to see him every night, and I love when we come out West and true hockey fans get to see him. [Edmonton fans] are blessed to see Connor McDavid every night and Leon Draisaitl, and you get to throw ‘Kuch’ in the mix with the greats that play this game. It’s fun for everyone.”
Up next…
The Oilers have some important Pacific Division matchups ahead. After playing in Utah on Tuesday, they’ll head to Vegas to play the Golden Knights on Thursday. After that, Edmonton will return home to host the Ducks on Saturday afternoon.
Breaking News
- The Day After 71.0: Nikita Kucherov makes Hart Trophy case in commanding win over Oilers
- Oilers lose on special teams, Josh Samanski’s first NHL goal, and Ty Emberson’s return to the lineup
- Oilers struck down by Lightning in 5-2 loss: Recap, Reaction and Highlights
- GDB 71.0: Shorthanded Oilers will need to bring their best against the Lightning (8PM MT, CBC)
- Draisaitl receiving treatment in Germany, hopeful Oilers can ‘keep playing long enough’ so he can ‘step in’
