Kucherov Closing In on Lightning Scoring Record
Nikita Kucherov has 1,134 career points and needs four more to overtake Steven Stamkos for Tampa Bay's franchise scoring record. Kucherov has produced at 1.28 points per game, while Stamkos recorded 1,137 points with the Lightning before moving to Nashville. Stamkos said he believed Kucherov would eventually claim the record if he remained with Tampa Bay.
Kucherov reached 1,134 points across 887 appearances, while Stamkos compiled 1,137 in 1,082 games for Tampa Bay. The scoring-rate difference is notable: Kucherov has averaged 1.28 points per game, compared with Stamkos’s 1.05 during his Lightning tenure. Stamkos is now in his third Nashville season and recently climbed past Joe Sakic and Jarome Iginla on the NHL’s all-time goals list.
Tampa Bay selected Kucherov 58th overall in 2011. He recorded 18 points in 52 rookie games and has since won two Stanley Cups, two Hart Trophies and three Art Ross Trophies. Tyler Johnson recalled Kucherov staying late at his first camp in 2013, focusing on small details like stickhandling, puck placement and protection.
The milestone may resonate most with Lightning fans and hockey historians, giving them a shared moment to compare eras and appreciate sustained excellence. It could also boost local interest and media attention around Tampa Bay games, while younger players may view Kucherov’s preparation as a model. Stamkos’s comments could add a bittersweet layer for Nashville and Tampa supporters.