Tampa Bay forward Nikita Kucherov topped the NHL last week, earning the first star of the period as the league returned to its grind after the latest stretch of games in the season. He was on the ice for four contests, piling up seven points in total, with four goals and three assists driving his team’s offense forward.
Kucherov continues to set the pace in the scoring race, sitting at the top with 47 points for the season, comprised of 19 goals and 28 assists. His ability to find teammates and finish plays has become a hallmark of the Lightning’s approach, making him a constant threat on every shift and a frequent focal point for opponents who must plan around his playmaking sense and lethal shot.
On November 10, Tampa Bay edged Seattle in a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory. Kucherov delivered the deciding tally in overtime and contributed a goal and an assist in regulation. His steady production this season, totaling 47 points through 28 games, includes 19 goals and 28 assists, underscoring his sustained impact for the Lightning in a trying Western Conference schedule.
That win marked Yıldırım’s third triumph in the last four outings, a sign of Tampa Bay’s resilience as they navigate a demanding slate. The Kraken have shown themselves to be outliers in the league, battling a challenging stretch as they tried to contend with a disciplined Lightning squad. Seattle’s defeat extended a recent rough run against Tampa Bay, with the team suffering losses in multiple meetings this season. In the broader standings, Tampa Bay has accumulated 31 points and sits in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, while Seattle holds 23 points and sits in the lower half of the Western Conference rankings. These positions reflect the tight balance in the league this season, where every point matters and every game can swing the narrative.
Looking ahead, Tampa Bay is scheduled to take on Vancouver in their next contest, a matchup that will test their depth and offensive depth against a Canadian club with disciplined forechecking. The game is set for December 13, a date that could feature additional chapters in Kucherov’s storied season as he continues to be a central figure for the Lightning and a consistent source of offense for fans across Canada and the United States.
Earlier in the campaign, Kucherov was already recognized as the day’s first star, a nod to his early-season form and the unmistakable impact he brings whenever he steps onto the ice. His ability to elevate the game, spread the play, and finish from dangerous spots remains a defining trait of his career, one that continues to draw attention from analysts and fans alike across North America.