Follow usNikita Kucherov, the NHL’s current points leader, etched his name in the history books by notching his 100th assist of the season during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s 6-4 victory over the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
In the regular-season finale for both teams, Kucherov, who boasts an impressive 144 points (44 goals, 100 assists), also found the back of the net himself. He reached the monumental milestone of 100 assists when he set up Brayden Point’s goal at 17:05 of the second period, extending Tampa Bay’s lead to 4-1.
Joining an elite group of NHL legends, Kucherov becomes only the fifth player in league history to achieve 100 assists in a single season. The exclusive club includes Wayne Gretzky (11 times), Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, and Connor McDavid, with McDavid attaining this feat in the 2023-24 season.
Contributing to the Lightning’s offensive barrage, Nicholas Paul, Anthony Duclair, and Brandon Hagel each registered a goal and an assist, while Tanner Jeannot also added a goal to the scoresheet. Steven Stamkos chipped in with two assists, and goaltender Matt Tomkins made 34 saves to secure the victory for Tampa Bay, wrapping up their home campaign with a solid record of 25-11-5.
Lightning beat Panthers 6-3 at Amalie Arena to avoid sweep 
Bruins beat Maple Leafs 4-2 to take 2-1 lead in the series 
Verhaeghe scores in OT for Panthers to beat Lightning 3-2 
