Nikita Kucherov meets with media following 3-1 win vs Pittsburgh Penguins.
Nikita Kucherov has already had a historic season with 44 points so far. He entered Wednesday night's game vs the Penguins at Amalie Arena with a 10-game assist streak, which was tied for the longest in the NHL this season with Filip Hronek from Oct. 24–Nov. 12.
Kucherov extended his streak almost immediately when Anthony Cirelli opened the scoring for the Lightning with 14:04 left in the first period. He later added a power play goal of his own. He now holds the franchise record for longest assist streak, moving in front of 10-game runs by Martin St. Louis (2009-10 & 2006-07) and Brad Richards (2005-06).
When asked about the records he's breaking this season, Kucherov said he's just trying to do his part. "I'm just trying to help the team win and follow the plan and play responsible in the D zone and when I have a chance, I try and score."
Lightning coach Jon Cooper had thoughts of his own after the game. "There’s a lot of great players in this league. I mean, the best in the world. But I think right now, through 20-something games, you’ve got to put him at the top of the mountain. He’s been elite. That’s all I can say."