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Ivory CoastKucherov Sets Up Two Goals in Lightning Victory After Trade Request
Nikita Kucherov recorded two assists as the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 on Tuesday.
Warm Welcome and Fast Start
Nikita Kucherov returned to home ice on Tuesday night following his trade request. Fans greeted him warmly before the game, holding up signs that read "We Stand with Kuch 86" and "Pay Stay Kuch" along the glass.
Kucherov made an impact right away. He set up Brayden Point for a power play goal in the first period. Just over five minutes later, Kucherov set up Point again to give Tampa Bay an early 2-0 lead against the Detroit Red Wings.
Red Wings Fight Back
Detroit changed goaltenders to start the second period. Daniil Tarasov replaced John Gibson, who allowed two goals on 13 shots in the opening period. Anthony Cirelli then lifted his fifth goal of the season past Tarasov to put the Lightning up 3-0.
The Red Wings cut into the lead. Lucas Raymond scored in the second period, and J.T. Compher added a power play goal in the third period to make it 3-2. Detroit pulled their goalie for the final three minutes, putting pressure on Andrei Vasilevskiy. Ryan McDonagh sealed the 4-2 victory for Tampa Bay with an empty net goal with one second left. It was Tampa Bay's seventh straight win at home.
Trade Drama in the Background
Kucherov now has five assists in two games since asking for a trade. On Monday, he explained that his request was not about money, but about poor communication and respect from general manager Julien BriseBois.
Kucherov is in the final year of an eight year, $76 million contract signed in 2018. He said he and BriseBois only spoke twice in four months, and BriseBois made it clear he could leave on July 1. "It was never about the money for me," Kucherov said Monday. "More about poor communication and respect."
What it means for the next game
Vegas Golden Knights at Detroit Red Wings (NHL, Fri, 06 Nov): Detroit Red Wings win 39%, Vegas Golden Knights win 61%; projected score Detroit Red Wings 3, Vegas Golden Knights 3. Our safest pick: Under 8 goals.
Chicago Blackhawks at Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL, Fri, 06 Nov): Tampa Bay Lightning win 78%, Chicago Blackhawks win 22%; projected score Tampa Bay Lightning 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2. Our safest pick: Over 4 goals.
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