Kucherov Sets the Table in Tampa's Win Over Detroit
Two assists, one with the man advantage, as the Lightning stay perfect at home against the Red Wings in their first divisional meeting.
Nikita Kucherov did his work as a passer in a 4-2 Lightning win over Detroit: no goals, two assists, and a plus 1 across 21:40 of ice time on 20 shifts.
That was the second-most ice time among Tampa Bay's 18 skaters, and second among its 11 forwards. It was not the team high.
The points came one at a time. He had one assist at even strength and one on the power play. He put three shots on goal, and the power play alone produced six of his shot attempts, one of them on target.
The night wasn't spotless: he had two giveaways and no takeaways, hits or blocks.
For the season he now has 4 goals and 16 assists in 14 games, so a two-assist night fits how he has played, with passing driving his production. The win lifts Tampa Bay to 9-3-2, and the Lightning are 7-0-0 at home.