Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning is considered one of the NHL’s most skillful players. His accurate shots and precise passes have been the foundation of his success over the years. However, there is one thing that still puzzles fans and analysts alike – is it a shot or a pass? Kucherov has mastered the art of disguising his intentions, leaving defenders and goalies guessing as to what he will do next. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Kucherov’s technique and attempt to answer the age-old question.
Who is Nikita Kucherov?
Nikita Kucherov is a professional ice hockey player from Russia. He currently plays as a right winger for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the National Hockey League (NHL).
Kucherov was born in May 1993 in Maykop, Russia. He started his career in hockey in Russia before he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2011. Kucherov has been with the team ever since and has established a reputation as one of the league’s top scorers.
Is it a Shot or a Pass?
One of the most debated questions among ice hockey fans is whether a player intended to shoot or pass the puck. Nikita Kucherov is no exception when it comes to this debate. Many times, Kucherov has been credited with a shot goal only for replays to reveal that it was a pass that deflected off a player and went into the net.
Kucherov has a reputation for being a skilled and creative player in the offensive zone. He has a strong shot, but he’s equally effective at delivering pinpoint passes to his teammates. His ability to read the game and make quick decisions on the ice is what makes him stand out as a player. His creativity on the ice has led to some amazing goals, and his willingness to take risks often pays off.
Kucherov’s Shot vs. Pass Statistics
While it’s difficult to determine whether a player intended to shoot or pass the puck, statistics can give us an idea of Kucherov’s preferences when it comes to offensive play.
In the 2018-2019 NHL season, Kucherov had 128 points, which made him the highest-scoring player in the league that year. Of those 128 points, 87 were assists, and 41 were goals. This means that Kucherov was more likely to pass the puck to his teammates than shoot it himself.
In the 2019-2020 season, Kucherov had 85 points, with 33 goals and 52 assists. Again, the statistics show that Kucherov is more likely to pass the puck than shoot it.
Kucherov’s Impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning
Regardless of whether Kucherov is shooting or passing the puck, there’s no denying that he’s a vital player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He’s considered to be one of the team’s core players and has played a crucial role in the team’s success over the years.
During the 2018-2019 season, Kucherov’s 128 points helped the Lightning to secure the Presidents’ Trophy as the team with the best record in the regular season. However, the team suffered a shocking first-round exit in the playoffs, and Kucherov was criticized for not performing when it mattered most.
In the 2020 playoffs, Kucherov proved his critics wrong, leading the Lightning to their second Stanley Cup Championship in franchise history. He finished the playoffs with 34 points, including seven goals and 27 assists, en route to winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs.
In Conclusion
Nikita Kucherov is a versatile and skilled player who can shoot and pass the puck with equal precision. While statistics show that he’s more likely to pass than shoot, his creativity on the ice makes it difficult to determine his intentions. Regardless of whether he’s shooting or passing, Kucherov’s impact on the Tampa Bay Lightning cannot be understated. He’s a crucial player for the team and has played a significant role in their recent success.
