Nikita Kucherov Becomes Tampa Bay Lightning Career Points Leader

Nikita Kucherov surpassed Steven Stamkos for the franchise scoring lead with a first-period power-play assist against the Utah Mammoth.

Nikita Kucherov became the Tampa Bay Lightning's all-time points leader on Saturday night, recording his 1,138th career point during a road game against the Utah Mammoth. The milestone occurred in the first period when Kucherov fired a power-play shot that Brayden Point converted on a rebound. This assist marked Kucherov's 10th of the season and moved him past Steven Stamkos, who previously held the franchise record with 1,137 points.

Kucherov reached the record in his 890th NHL game, consisting of 405 goals and 733 assists. In comparison, Stamkos set the previous mark over 1,082 games. The 33-year-old reigning Hart Trophy winner is currently off to a start featuring four goals and 10 assists this season, following a previous campaign where he totaled 44 goals and 86 assists.

Lightning coach Jon Cooper, who has managed the team since March 2013, described Kucherov as a player who remains multiple steps ahead of the competition. Kucherov originally debuted for the franchise on Nov. 25, 2013, scoring his first career goal on his first shot against New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist. A 2011 second-round draft pick, he also holds the Lightning franchise record for career assists. Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar noted that Kucherov’s elite puck distribution and ability to slow down the rush distinguish his playstyle.