Don't let Kucherov's hot streak overshadow Stamkos' start
While the rest of the hockey world salivates over Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov's blistering streak - 10 goals in nine games - to begin the season, Steven Stamkos is quietly off to one of the best starts of his career.
Specifically, it's No. 91's hottest season-opening performance since he notched 19 points in the first nine games of the 2010-11 campaign.
The Lightning captain has managed to fly slightly under the radar with 18 points while his linemate, Kucherov, has set the league ablaze.
Nikita Kucherov became the sixth player in the NHL's modern era (since 1943-44) to score in each of his team's first seven games. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/p17Eg42hoa
- NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 18, 2017
Stamkos has three goals and 15 assists, while Kucherov has collected 10 goals and six assists.
After Saturday night's 7-1 shellacking of the reigning Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Stamkos and Kucherov have already racked up solid offensive numbers for October with another 10 days left in the month. Kucherov had two goals and one assist while Stamkos chipped in with four points.
The twosome has been so hot that making history is becoming a nightly occurrence. Stamkos moved into first on the Lightning's all-time power-play goals list Saturday thanks to his 113th career tally with the man advantage, passing Vincent Lecavalier.
Nikita Kucherov & Steven Stamkos are 1st pair of teammates to start season on 9-game point streaks since 2001-02 (Demitra & Weight w/ STL). pic.twitter.com/wwgJfo829F
- NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) October 22, 2017
A fully healthy Stamkos had many preseason prognosticators tabbing the Lightning to take a big step forward after missing the playoffs last season for the first time since 2013.
With Kucherov and Stamkos firing on all cylinders, it seems foolish to expect Tampa Bay to finish outside of the top five spots in the East, especially if opponents continue to focus on Kucherov and allow the center to find open space.
The dangerous duo are in action next when the Lightning take on the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday.
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