Kucherov’s journey to 1,000 factors with Lightning amongst quickest in NHL historical past

Nikita Kucherov doesn’t like consideration.

He didn’t wish to discuss 1,000 factors earlier than reaching the milestone. After he hit it Saturday — after which added his 1,001st level, aiding on the successful purpose within the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 4-3 victory in opposition to the Anaheim Ducks — he spoke to reporters with a hood pulled over his head.

But he deserves consideration, and he bought it at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. He even confirmed emotion within the second, smiling because the bench emptied and his teammates mobbed him, clapping and waving because the followers cheered and the highlight beamed down on him at middle ice.

“It was a great feeling,” Kucherov advised reporters. “It was something I never thought I would reach, and I’m really honored. I’m fortunate to have had great teammates along the way. Without them, I wouldn’t be here, and I wouldn’t have done that. And also without the fans’ support. They’ve been a huge part of it, and I’m just really blessed.”

This milestone is significant on many ranges.

Kucherov reached 1,000 factors in 809 video games. Only two lively gamers have achieved it faster: Connor McDavid (659 video games) and Sidney Crosby (757). Only three gamers born outdoors North America have achieved it faster: Peter Stastny (682), Jari Kurri (716) and Jaromir Jagr (763).

The 32-year-old ahead is the sixth participant born in Russia to do it, following Alex Ovechkin (1,630), Evgeni Malkin (1,358), Sergei Fedorov (1,179), Alexander Mogilny (1,032) and Alex Kovalev (1,029).

He’s the second participant to do it for Tampa Bay, following Steven Stamkos (1,137). All of his factors have come below coach Jon Cooper. Only two different gamers have produced their first 1,000 factors below one coach: Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier, every of whom did it below Al Arbour with the New York Islanders.

“It’s been a privilege to stand on the bench to watch him get 1,000,” Cooper advised reporters. “It seems like just yesterday he was [entering] the League. But he’s a special, special player. I think he’s going to go down as one of the greatest [players], if not the greatest player, to play in this organization. He’s got a runway left in him. … It’s a lot of points in not a lot of time. It’s pretty impressive.”

Kucherov has received the Hart Trophy because the NHL’s most beneficial participant (2019), the Stanley Cup twice (2020 and 2021) and the Art Ross Trophy because the NHL’s scoring champion 3 times (2019, 2024 and 2025).

“It’s not a fluke,” Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman advised reporters after reaching 800 factors himself Saturday.

Kucherov is a legend across the NHL for his work ethic. He has studied video of Detroit Red Wings ahead Patrick Kane, one other left-handed shot who performs the best wing and makes performs at an elite stage. He has artificial ice and a internet in his storage in Tampa, so he can hearth pucks away from the rink.

“I’ve heard a lot about how he gets the most puck touches in the NHL — not in games, but in practice,” stated Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad, who has been going through Kucherov within the Atlantic Division since 2014-15. “It’s impressive, his preparation. He’s obviously a very impressive player, and I enjoy the challenge of playing against him.”

Opponents all the time attempt to take time and area away from elite playmakers. But with Kucherov, they have to anticipate greater than regular. They can’t wait till he has the puck.

“He always seems to know what he’s going to do before he even gets the puck,” stated Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling, who typically matches up in opposition to him on his facet of the ice. “He’s got that vision and hockey sense that he knows where the puck’s coming and where the guys are on the ice.”

For his 1,000th level, Kucherov carried the puck throughout the blue line along with his again to the boards on the best wing, head up, scanning. He noticed middle Brayden Point on the opposite facet and slipped a go by way of a seam. Point dealt with the puck within the left circle and backhanded it in entrance, the place the puck banked off ahead Jake Guentzel and into the online, giving Tampa Bay a 2-1 lead at 12:19 of the second interval.