Kucherov Shines as Lightning Defeats Canadiens in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Finals

Introduction

In an exhilarating display of talent, Tampa Bay Lightning’s star forward, Nikita Kucherov , showcased his skills on the ice during the opening game of the 2021 Stanley Cup Finals against the Montreal Canadiens last Monday. Despite dealing with injuries and having a limited presence in game 6, where he was uncertain for game 7 of the semi-finals against the New York Islanders, Kucherov made a remarkable comeback. He had been recovering from hip surgery performed on December 29, 2020, which sidelined him for the entire 2020-2021 NHL regular season.

Even though Kucherov is officially considered day-to-day regarding his injuries on the NHL's status report, he has still been instrumental in helping the team by consistently scoring throughout his impressive postseason journey in 2021. In the first game against Montreal, Kucherov netted two goals during the third period and assisted Steven Stamkos with another goal, contributing a total of three points to his team’s victory, an accomplishment that is quite rare in playoff history. Tampa Bay Lightning With his exceptional performance, Kucherov has etched his name into the history books of the NHL, joining the ranks of only three players who have ever scored 30 or more points in consecutive playoff seasons. The other two legends who achieved this remarkable milestone are Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, both legendary figures known for their incredible careers and achievements, filled with records and accolades, especially during crucial playoff moments.

Nikita Kucherov Makes NHL History

Kucherov appears poised to follow in their footsteps, evolving into one of the most formidable players in postseason hockey every year. Currently, he stands out as the frontrunner for the 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player (MVP) during the NHL playoffs.

"He’s one of the best players in the world,\" commented Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain, Steven Stamkos, when discussing Kucherov’s current form. "He’s performing like a beast right now. His skills are off the charts.\" Stanley Cup playoffs .

Media Statements

"Watching teammates push through injuries serves as motivation for others, especially at this intense time of year,\" explained Jon Cooper, the head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning. "Kucherov embodies that spirit and his excellent performance tonight reflects that. It’s the Finals, and every player is battling through challenges; our team’s success comes from this collective resilience.\"

Achievements, Accolades, and Awards from Nikita Kucherov’s Ice Hockey Journey

For those keen on sports wagering! According to My Bookie sportsbook, here are the betting odds as of Tuesday, June 29, 2021, for the 2021 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy.

• MHL All – Star Game (2011)
• 3 Time NHL All – Star Game (2017, 2018, 2019)
• 2 Time NHL Second All – Star Team (2017, 2020)
• 2 Time NHL First All – Star Team (2018, 2019)
• Art Ross Trophy (2019)
• Ted Lindsay Award (2019)
• Hart Memorial Trophy (2019)
• Stanley Cup Champion (2020)
• U18 First Team All – Star (2011)

The 2020 – 2021 NHL Standings

Central Division

Carolina Hurricanes 36 – 12 – 8 80 Points

Florida Panthers 37 – 14 – 5 79 Points

Tampa Bay Lightning 36 – 17 – 3 75 Points

Nashville Predators 31 – 23 – 2 64 Points

Dallas Stars 23 – 19 – 14 60 Points

Chicago Blackhawks 24 – 25 – 7 55 Points

Detroit Red Wings 19 – 27 – 10 48 Points

Columbus Blue Jackets 18 – 26 – 12 48 Points

East Division

Pittsburgh Penguins 37 – 16 – 3 77 Points

Washington Capitals 36 – 15 – 5 77 Points

Boston Bruins 33 – 16 – 7 73 Points

New York Islanders 32 – 17 – 7 71 Points

New York Rangers 27 – 23 – 6 60 Points

Philadelphia Flyers 25 – 23 – 8 58 Points

New Jersey Devils 19 – 30 – 7 45 Points

Buffalo Sabres 15 – 34 – 7 37 Points

North Division

Toronto Maple Leafs 35 – 14 – 7 77 Points

Edmonton Oilers 35 – 19 – 2 72 Points

Winnipeg Jets 30 – 23 – 3 63 Points

Montreal Canadiens 24 – 21 – 11 59 Points

Calgary Flames 26 – 27 – 3 55 Points

Ottawa Senators 23 – 28 – 5 51 Points

Vancouver Canucks 23 – 29 – 4 50 Points

West Division

Colorado Avalanche 39 – 13 – 4 82 Points

Las Vegas Golden Knights 40 – 14 – 2 82 Points

Minnesota Wild 35 – 16 – 5 75 Points

St. Louis Blues 27 – 20 – 9 63 Points

Arizona Coyotes 24 – 26 – 6 54 Points

Los Angeles Kings 21 – 28 – 7 49 Points

San Jose Sharks 21 – 28 – 7 49 Points

Anaheim Ducks 17 – 30 – 9 43 Points

Odds to Win the 2021 NHL Conn Smythe Trophy

Player Odds

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning) +120
Nikita Kucherov (Tampa Bay Lightning) +200
Brayden Point (Tampa Bay Lightning) +350
Carey Price (Montreal Canadiens) +600
Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay Lightning) +5000
Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) +6000
Nicholas Suzuki (Montreal Canadiens) +8000
Cole Caufield (Montreal Canadiens) +10000
Tyler Toffoli (Montreal Canadiens) +10000
Alex Killorn (Tampa Bay Lightning) +10000
Corey Perry (Montreal Canadiens) +15000
Brendan Gallagher (Montreal Canadiens) +20000
“Nikita Kucherov Enters Exclusive Circle Following His 2 Goals and 1 Assist in Game 1, Leading the Lightning to Victory in the Stanley Cup Final”

Sources:

“USA, NHL Futures – NHL 2021 Conn Smythe Trophy – Odds to Win” , Emily Kaplan, espn.com, June 28, 2021.

“Nikita Kucherov” , hockey-reference.com, June 29, 2021.

“NHL Standings 2020 – 2021” , espn.com, June 29, 2021.

Strategies and insights that are mathematically sound for casino games like blackjack, craps, roulette, and many more options available for play. , mybookie.ag, June 29, 2021.

Written by: David Green