Nikita Kucherov sets NHL record for most empty-net points in a season

[ConnorMcMullet]

Kucherov recorded his 13th empty net point of the season today, breaking the NHL record.

Neat accomplishment in what has been a fantastic season for the Russian.

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[Mr Kot]

That's pretty impressive tbh. I know some people will hold it against him, but he wants the ross, any way he can get it.

 

[Nucker101]

Shows that that his coach trusts him in crucial late game defensive situations and he knows how to finish these games off.

Very impressive despite what the haters will say.

 

[Ol' Jase]

That’s honestly kind of a cool record.

Shows how much he is trusted when it’s 5v6 for Tampa.

 

[RussianGuyovich]

Impressive bit of foresight to conserve energy at the all star game to ensure he has the drive to empty net point his way to the luckiest trophy in the world.

 

[Kent Nilsson]

Example of why he’s trusted by Cooper in defensive situations.

 

[HolyHagelin]

I posted in a different thread, ENGs are not freebies or gimmes. You still have to be good. Cool record.

 

[Beau Knows]

Not a huge surprise to see that record set in this era, teams are so much more aggressive with pulling their goalies than they were in the past.

Who had the record before? I would assume it was another modern player like Crosby or Ovechkin.
Edit - looks like it was Blake Wheeler

 

[Video Nasty]

Points are points. There’s a reason he’s out there in those situations and clearly has proven he is to be trusted.

 

[frederixx]

Gretzky is the all-time leader followed by Crosby. Says alot about being trusted in crucial situations and responding accordingly

 

[bobholly39]

Empty net points are awesome

They pretty much guarantee a victory. Good for him

 

[Five Alarm Fire]

Love that there was a thread made about this but not about him setting the assist record for wingers.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

The Al Iafrate award.
It’s great that his coach trusts him with the games on the line.

 

[Tryamkin]

Empty net points are arguably more important that even strength points since they're scored in the clutch with the game on the line. Kuch is having a monster season, definitely deserves the Art Ross this year.

 

[WetcoastOrca]

A record I never dreamt would be broken in my lifetime!
What a year to be alive!

 

[The Podium]

Damn…. I’m going to be that guy

13 EN points is ridiculous in this tight Art Ross race

However, I’m actually impressed he had that many EN opportunities. Makes me think more of him as a player.

 

[Stephen]

The ease of the empty net vs the trust factor in defending the lead is a wash. They’re just 13 points.

 

[Mattb124]

That’s honestly kind of a cool record.

Shows how much he is trusted when it’s 5v6 for Tampa.

Trusted, and that he can execute.

 

[Hoek]

You still gotta set up or finish those chances. How many times have we seen teams desperate to get an empty net goal and just ice it or do a bad clear and give up an equalizer instead? Kuch stays calm and collected in those situations and either finds the right guy to get it to or pots it himself.

 

[Rschmitz]

Also helps to know that the Lightning have the most empty net goals this season. They don't turtle

 

[Spilot23]

More impressive than 100 assists I would say.

 

[DFC]

Love that there was a thread made about this but not about him setting the assist record for wingers.

He has the THREE all time highest assist seasons by a Russian player. 90, 87, and 83.

Yes, McDavid is in a higher tier, but Kucherov deserves a lot of appreciation for being one of the greatest players in history. A lot of great playmakers never hit 80 assists, and he's done it three times.

Also helps to know that the Lightning have the most empty net goals this season. They don't turtle

Honestly, I think that began to change when Cooper started using Kucherov in those situations. For years, we were terrible at closing games with an ENG.

 

[Dellstrom]

What a bum. Without these gimme points he'd only be pushing for 120 points this season.

 

[bambamcam4ever]

Shows that that his coach trusts him in crucial late game defensive situations and he knows how to finish these games off.

Very impressive despite what the haters will say.

Ovechkin was always it there in the regular season for ENs and then Trotz stapled him to the bench during those situations in the playoffs.

It doesn't show that Cooper trusts him, it shows that he wants to keep Kucherov happy.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

Love that there was a thread made about this but not about him setting the assist record for wingers.

Sorry to hear that you're somehow unable to start threads and can only kvetch about their existence or lack thereof.