Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] have had a decent start to the season, as their 12-9-2 record demonstrates. While they have hit some rough patches, they are still very much in the playoff race early on. Anthony Cirelli has been a notable reason for the Lightning's solid start to the campaign, as the 27-year-old center has been excellent. In fact, he is well on his way to having a career season. After setting career highs with 20 goals and 45 points in 79 games last season, Cirelli already has 10 goals, 23 points, and a plus-11 rating in 23 contests this campaign. With numbers like these, Cirelli is hitting a new level and producing like a star. However, he is also maintaining his excellent defensive play in the process. Anthony Cirelli [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMTE2MDg1NzI0ODQ5NjUy/usatsi_24873575.jpg] Anthony Cirelli Cirelli is currently tied with Jake Guentzel for third on the Lightning with his 10 goals. In addition, Cirelli is only behind Nikita Kucherov (34) and Brandon Hagel (29) in points on the Lightning. Thus, the 2015 third-round pick is undoubtedly one of the Lightning's top players so far this season. Cirelli is not showing any signs of slowing down, either, as he has eight goals and 10 points over his last nine contests.
