Nikita Kucherov (© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/23674acd-76e4-4a21-a5ed-1561aacf4b23.jpeg] Nikita Kucherov (© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images) The NHL has announced [https://x.com/NHL/status/1917957184480018718?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet] that Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning] forward Nikita Kucherov is a finalist for this year's Hart Memorial Trophy. The other two players in the running are Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the player adjudged to be the most valuable to his team." When looking at how spectacular of a regular-season Kucherov had, it is understandable that he has been named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy. The 31-year-old forward scored 37 goals and led the NHL with 121 points in 78 games with the Lightning [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en]. With this, he has won the Art Ross Trophy for the second year in a row and is also a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award. Kucherov previously won the Hart Trophy in 2019, when he posted 41 goals, 128 points, and a plus-24 rating in 82 games. It will now be interesting to see if he wins his second career Hart from here. Given how excellent he played this season, he undoubtedly has a great chance to. Recent Lightning News Lightning Coach Reflects On Deflating Series Loss To Panthers [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a829ca9a-5553-474f-9b99-02574781ece7.jpeg] Lightning Coach Reflects On Deflating Series Loss To Panthers The <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>'s season is officially over. The Bolts fell to the Florida Panthers in Game 5 by a 6-3 final score, and now have a busy off-season ahead as they look to turn things back around. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-coach-reflects-on-deflating-series-loss-to-panthers] Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Named Finalist For Top Award [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/397faf95-dd20-4ff8-9967-0ae9bf5d27ec.jpeg] Lightning's Nikita Kucherov Named Finalist For Top Award The 2024-25 season was another incredible one for <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> superstar Nikita Kucherov. In 78 games, he recorded 37 goals, 84 assists, and a plus-22 rating. He also led the NHL with 121 points, capturing his second straight Art Ross Trophy because of it. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightnings-nikita-kucherov-named-finalist-for-top-award] Lightning Coach Jon Cooper Is Sick Of Talking About Dirty Hits [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/03091620-6bfd-4301-a357-4a799414e50a.jpeg] Lightning Coach Jon Cooper Is Sick Of Talking About Dirty Hits Game 4 was an incredibly frustrating one for the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning">Tampa Bay Lightning</a>. After being up 2-1, the Lightning allowed three unanswered goals to the Florida Panthers in the third period and lost by a 4-2 final score. With this, the <a href="https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwruDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en">Lightning</a> are now down 3-1 in the series and need to win their next three games to advance to the second round. If they are unsuccessful in doing so, it will mark the end of their season. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-coach-jon-cooper-is-sick-of-talking-about-dirty-hits]
