Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Nikita Kucherov Draws NHL's Attention After Oilers Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ankit Kumar | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 1:01 PM ET

Nikita Kucherov has taken center stage in the NHL scoring race after a dominant stretch lifted him past the league’s biggest names.

The Tampa Bay Lightning star now leads the NHL with 118 points, moving ahead of both Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon.

NHL highlighted his recent run, posting that they are “running out of words” to describe his form. Over his last three games, Nikita Kucherov has recorded six goals and six assists for 12 points. His surge has pushed him ahead of McDavid (116 points) and MacKinnon (114 points).

Legit running out of words to describe how good Nikita Kucherov is... pic.twitter.com/VzOuLrrIGa
— NHL (@NHL) March 22, 2026

This happened after Kucherov delivered another standout performance in Tampa Bay’s 5-2 win over Edmonton. He scored twice on seven shots and added two assists, finishing plus-three.

Kucherov also reached a personal milestone with his first career short-handed goal. That play came just seconds after leaving the penalty box, and it stood as his seventh game-winner this season.

The Lightning winger has now hit the 40-goal mark for the fourth time in his career. He sits on 118 points through 64 games, including 34 on the power play. His current run includes at least three points in five straight road games, showing his control in key moments.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov (86) scores a goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Connor Ingram (39) at Rogers Place.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

While Kucherov leads the race, McDavid continues to drive Edmonton's offense with elite playmaking, and MacKinnon has a strong all-around impact for Colorado.

Tampa Bay’s balanced season has supported Kucherov’s rise. The team ranks among the best in both scoring and defense, strengthening its push toward the playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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