Kucherov Gets a Warm Welcome as Lightning Beat Red Wings
Kucherov picked up two assists in his first home game since asking for a trade, while Brayden Point scored twice in Tampa Bay's 4-2 win.
Tampa Bay fans welcomed Nikita Kucherov back to home ice on Tuesday, displaying signs of support after his trade request. He assisted on both Brayden Point goals in a 4-2 Lightning win over Detroit.
ESPN reported signs reading “We Stand with Kuch 86” and “Pay Stay Kuch” near the glass during warmups. It was Kucherov’s first home game since requesting a trade.
Point scored on the power play at 7:54 of the first period and again at 13:01, both from Kucherov setups. Anthony Cirelli increased the lead to three in the second period.
Lucas Raymond and J.T. Compher brought Detroit within a goal, but Ryan McDonagh scored into an empty net with one second left. Andrei Vasilevskiy made 19 saves.
Tampa Bay has won all seven of its home games this season.
