“Lost at least a part of the tooth” : Nikita Kucherov searches for lost tooth after returning to ice; Hits 100-point milestone

Nikita Kucherov had a night to remember but not just for the reasons you’d expect. In a game where the Tampa Bay Lightning steamrolled the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-1, Kucherov etched his name deeper into NHL history books. The Russian superstar not only extended his point streak to six games but also hit the 100-point milestone for the third consecutive season. However, his achievement was overshadowed by an on-ice mishap and a fiery exchange with the media, making for a rollercoaster of emotions.


With his latest milestone, Kucherov now holds the record for the most 100-point seasons by a Russian player in NHL history, surpassing the legendary Alex Ovechkin. This accomplishment places him in an elite group, as he now shares the distinction with Jaromir Jagr, the second-highest point scorer in NHL history, becoming only the 21st player ever to achieve five or more 100-point seasons.
Despite this historic moment, Kucherov’s postgame demeanor didn’t reflect the celebratory atmosphere. While speaking to the media, his frustration surfaced when a reporter attempted to ask about building momentum from the win. Cutting off the question mid-sentence, Kucherov dismissed the query with a wave of his hand and responded sharply, "I'm barely talking here and you're like trying to speak ahead of me. Like, what are you doing? Alright, he's suspended."

It was an eventful night for the 31-year-old two-time Stanley Cup champion, who experienced both the thrill of victory and the physical toll of the game. During the action, Kucherov lost a tooth after being shoved into Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic. Despite the injury, he returned to the ice and was even seen searching for his missing tooth during a TV timeout, a moment that Lightning color commentator Brian Engblom humorously noted.
“I think he lost at least a part of the tooth,” Engblom remarked.
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While Kucherov may not have been in the mood to bask in his personal triumph, his on-ice brilliance continues to make headlines. With the Lightning pushing for playoff positioning, their superstar forward remains an unstoppable force, proving yet again why he is one of the most dominant players in the game today.