Kucherov Tops Hart Trophy Vote, Driving Lightning's Surge

For the NHL, it's March 14th.

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Tampa Bay Lightning Star, Nikita Kuturov, just topped the NHL Writer's poll for the

heart trophy.

The league's most valuable player award, edging out the field on a tiebreaker.

He's locked in a tight battle with Conor McDavid and Nathan McKinnon right now.

Kuturov has been the driving force behind the Lightning's solid power play, which sits

tied for 11th in the league at 22.2.

Percent efficiency.

He's on the ice for nearly all their man advantage goals and has points on most of them.

His impact shines even brighter at 5 on 5, where he creates chances that boost the whole

line.

Linemates like Brandon Hagel and Braden Point, outscore opponents 62-32 when he's with

them, compared to just 29-2.

23 without him.

Kuturov has sparked a breakout season for defenseman Darren Radish, too, who is lighting

it up offensively at nearly 5 goals per 60 minutes.

Alongside him, versus just over 2 without.

Thanks to his play, Tampa Bay has surged back as a top Eastern Conference contender, with

the second best points percentage behind only Carolina.

Positioning them for another deep playoff run.

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