A new hip changes everything for Kochirov

Not playing a regular season match for Tampa Bay Lightning this season, striker Nikita Kuchirov has reminded the world just how dire he is against the Florida Panthers.

Also read: The first round goes to Lightning

Kucherov turned on quickly at the end of December, and quickly found his directions, scoring two goals and assisting in his 5-4 win Sunday night at BB&T Center. However, his last game dates back to September 28, during the sixth duel against the Dallas Stars in the Cup Final Stanley.

If he hadn’t set himself specific goals for this meeting, he made a note after his performance that cheetahs could worry about the rest: his new one works great.

“I tried not to think too much about the match [avant la mise au jeu initiale]The 27-year-old Russian admitted via video conference after the meeting. I didn’t know what to expect. So I was trying to assure myself, to have a good first appearance and maybe even engage with someone. That’s all I tried to do. “

“But the new hip is a new joint, my friend. It’s different, so much better, and it felt really good.”

just awesome

However, the return of Kuchirov alone would not be sufficient to wipe out the Panthers. In fact, in this first game in the first Florida series, the clans exchanged the lead four times, a fact that has only happened four times in NHL history during the tournament yet. -season.

While the two coaches certainly want to see more effective defense play, the fact remains that they are well aware that two offensive forces collide and that every match can make a difference.

“I had the best place [ce match]Lightning coach John Cooper, said. It was a great hockey match, with two exceptional teams participating. And that is why it is the greatest sport in the world. We have just seen the reason. “

“It’s a very difficult game,” said Panther’s driver Joel Quinville. Lots of things happened on the ice […]. Every presence is very important against this team because they are doing things without anything. We need to learn lessons and improve. “

“It was hockey from hell.”