Kucherov didn’t score a goal, didn’t throw a meaningful punch, didn’t block a shot in the Lightning’s 4-2 victory over the Islanders in Game 2.
He’s had assists on 20 of Point’s 32 career playoff goals, which is the second-highest percentage in league history, according to the NHL public relations office.
Kucherov got a pass from Hedman and was racing up the left side of the ice with a half-step on defenseman Nick Leddy when he decided not to take a low percentage shot.
“There was no room for a breakaway there so I tried to pull up, find a second wave,” Kucherov explained.
It’s also one of the reasons Point now leads the league with 10 goals in the playoffs.
When Kucherov’s name is mentioned, they will talk about the grace, the wizardry, the absolute beauty of his game when he was in his prime.
There are not a whole lot of players who can turn up, turn back down and then thread the needle and give Pally almost a breakaway from the hash marks.
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