Kucherov captures Art Ross Trophy

Nikita Kucherov became the second Tampa Bay Lightning player in franchise history to capture the Art Ross Trophy following a record-setting regular season campaign.

Kucherov tallied a goal and an assist in the 2018-19 finale at Boston to complete the regular season with 128 points -- 12 points more than Edmonton's Connor McDavid -- and win the annual award given to the NHL player who leads the league in points at the end of the regular season. Kucherov joins Martin St. Louis as the only Lightning players to capture the Art Ross Trophy. St. Louis was a two-time winner, earning the award in 2003-04 after recording 94 points in 82 games and also in 2012-13 after putting up 60 points in 48 games.
Kucherov's 12-point lead over McDavid at the end of the regular season was the largest since Patrick Kane finished 17 points ahead of Jamie Benn in 2015-16.

Kucherov set Tampa Bay franchise records and led the NHL for points, assists (87) and power-play scoring (48 points) in 2018-19 and scored a career-high 41 goals, joining Steven Stamkos (45 goals) and Brayden Point (41 goals) in the 40-goal club on the Lightning. Tampa Bay is the first team since the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins and 23rd NHL team overall to feature three separate players with 40 or more goals.
Kucherov's 128 points are the most all-time in the NHL by a Russian-born player in a single season, passing Alexander Mogilny's mark of 127 points from 1992-93. Kucherov's 128 points are the most in the NHL this century and the most since 1995-96 when Mario Lemieux put up 161 points and Jaromir Jagr had 149 points.
Kucherov's 87 assists are tied for the most all-time in the NHL in a single season by a winger, matching Jaromir Jagr's 87-assist season in 1995-96.
Kucherov led the NHL scoring chase continuously since December 28. The Russian right wing tallied at least one point in 62 of 82 games this season.