Lightning celebrate Kucherov’s 1,000th career point with special ceremony

Nikita Kucherov’s stick is as good as gold.

The Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated the veteran forward recaching the 1,000 NHL points milestone with a special pregame ceremony before their game against the Dallas Stars at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa on Thursday.

Kucherov was joined by his wife, Anastasiya, son, Max, and daughter, Alisa, on the ice for the celebration.

A special tribute video aired on the arena video board which included congratulatory messages from the veteran forward’s fellow Russian countrymen and current and former teammates.

“Hey Kuch, It’s Ovi. I just want to congrats on 1,000 points,” Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin said in a clip. “Huge number, welcome to the club. I wish you more and more points in your career.

“You obviously are a tremendous and unbelievable player. It’s always nice to play against you and with you for the national team. Best of luck to you and your family.”

The Lightning gifted the Russian forward a custom portrait made out of dice.

Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy presented Kucherov with a commemorative crystal on behalf of the NHL. Defenseman Victor Hedman gifted the veteran forward a custom engraved watch.

Lightning owner Doug Ostrover presented Kucherov with the commemorative gold stick. Lightning mascot, ThunderBug, gifted the veteran forward’s kids their own miniature gold sticks.

During player arrivals, the Lightning wore custom T-shirts in honor of the forward.

On Oct. 25, Kucherov recorded his 1,000^th NHL point with an assist on forward Jake Guentzel’s second period goal against the Anaheim Ducks.

He is the 101^st NHL player to reach the career milestone and the second in Lightning history, alongside former teammate Steven Stamkos.