Kucherov Surges in Hart Race, MacKinnon Leads

It's March 23rd, NHL News Today starts now.

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Nikita Kuturov of the Tampa Bay Lightning is now seen as a top contender for the heart

trophy.

The NHL's most valuable player award.

He's second in the latest rankings by analyst Dom Lucisanian, right behind Colorado's

Nathan McKinnon, with Edmonton star Conor McDavid in third.

Kuturov leads the league and scoring with 119 points over 65 games.

This shift comes after Kuturov won the Art Ross trophy as top scorer the past two seasons,

but never cracked the heart lead.

Analysts point to his past weaknesses in defense and five on five play as reasons he fell

short, before, even with huge offensive numbers.

Lightning fans have long pushed for more recognition.

Frustrated that raw points alone weren't enough for voters who value all around impact.

Kuturov's improvements this year, especially at even strength, with 40 goals and 79 assists,

are changing that view.

Meanwhile, McKinnon holds a slim edge with 114 points in 67 games and 45 goals, helping

the avalanche top the standings.

Both players have shown career best even strength stats, boosting their cases, with just 13 games

left for each team.

This tight race could come down to the final stretch as they chase historic marks in that

second heart.

Win after years in McDavid's shadow.