Tampa Bay Lightning centre Brayden Point (21), right wing Nikita Kucherov and defenceman Erik Cernak (81) celebrate Kucherov's goal against the New York Rangers during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 14, 2024, in Tampa, Fla. Kucherov, Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard, and Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury have been named the NHL’s three stars of the week. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP /Jason Behnken
NEW YORK – Tampa Bay Lightning right-wing Nikita Kucherov, Chicago Blackhawks centre Connor Bedard, and Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury have been named the NHL’s three stars of the week.
Kucherov led the league with seven points (two goals, five assists) in two games, bolstering the Lightning’s playoff prospects with victories over the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers.
Kucherov increased his season total to 114 points in 66 games, closing within two points of scoring leader Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche in his bid for a second career Art Ross Trophy.
Bedard also tallied seven points (two goals, five assists) in three games, including a season-high five-point performance in a 7-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks.
Fleury went 2-0-1 in three starts, which included his 75th career shutout in a 2-0 win over Anaheim, helping the Wild (33-27-8, 74 points) close within five points of a playoff berth in the Western Conference.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2024.
