Kucherov Records Two Assists in 4-2 Win Over Detroit
The reigning MVP played his first home game since requesting a trade, helping Tampa Bay secure its seventh consecutive victory at the Amalie Arena.
By Samir Doyle ·
Nikita Kucherov recorded two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 on Tuesday night. The victory marked the seventh straight home win for the Lightning, capping a game defined by Kucherov's return to the home ice following his recent trade request.
Brayden Point led the offensive effort for Tampa Bay with two goals, while Anthony Cirelli added a third. Point opened the scoring with a power-play goal in the first period, finding the net off a centering pass from Kucherov. He extended the lead to 2-0 five minutes later by snapping a shot over goaltender John Gibson's glove. Cirelli made it 3-0 in the second period by lifting his fifth goal of the season into the top left corner.
Detroit responded in the second period when Lucas Raymond fired a shot from the left point past Andrei Vasilevskiy to cut the deficit to 3-1. The Red Wings narrowed the gap to 3-2 with less than six minutes into the third period, as J.T. Compher scored a power-play goal by blasting a shot from the right circle under Vasilevskiy's left pad. Detroit pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker for the final three minutes but could not find the equalizer. Ryan McDonagh scored an empty-netter with one second remaining to seal the 4-2 result.
Kucherov, the reigning NHL MVP, was greeted warmly by fans holding signs that read "We Stand with Kuch 86" and "Pay Stay Kuch" during pregame warmups. He has recorded five assists in two games since informing the team of his desire to be traded. The center stated on Monday that the request stemmed from a lack of communication and feeling disrespected by general manager Julien BriseBois.
"It was never about the money for me," Kucherov said. "More about poor communication and respect. Over the last four months, we only have had two conversations and Julien, in the end, made it clear that I'm free to walk on July 1."
The 33-year-old is in the final season of an eight-year, $76 million contract signed in 2018. During that tenure, he helped Tampa Bay win two Stanley Cups, led the NHL in scoring three times, and won the Hart Trophy in the 2018-19 and 2025-26 seasons.
The Lightning will look to maintain their home winning streak as they continue their regular season schedule. The Red Wings, who started goaltender Daniil Tarasov in the second period after Gibson stopped 11 of 13 shots in the first, will look to regroup after falling behind early in the third period.
