Blackhawks Daily: Kucherov’s 100th Assist; Coyotes Finale

The Chicago Blackhawks have one more game left–tonight on the road against the Los Angeles Kings. It should be a fun way to end the season for Chicago. 

Some final regular season games took place on Wednesday as well. One of them, Toronto Maple Leafs vs Tampa Bay Lightning, was a little more exciting than the rest. 

For one, Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews entered the final game of the regular season with 69 goals. Unfortunately, despite a plethora of chances throughout the game, he was unable to score that 70th. This was an incredible chance for him to get it done but he’ll have to try again next year. 

As for the Tampa Bay Lightning, they were able to get their guy to the milestone he was looking for. Nikita Kucherov entered the game with 99 assists and he was craving that 100 assist milestone. 

He earned that assist on Brayden Points 46th of the season. He is now with Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, and Connor McDavid on the exclusive list of players to ever have 100+ assists in a single season. 

Kucherov’s name will be one of a handful considered when it is time to vote for the Hart Trophy. Reaching this 100-assist milestone will be a big argument for him to win it.  When you think about the special player that Chicago hopes Connor Bedard becomes, the ceiling is a guy like Kucherov. 

Now, Kucherov and this Lightning team will turn their attention to the Florida Panthers who they will face in round number one. If he can bring this level of domination to the playoffs, the Lightning could go deep. 

Finally, the Arizona Coyotes closed out what looks like the last game in franchise history with a 5-2 win over the Edmonton Oilers. In an emotionally charged game and a full white out, the Coyotes sent their fans home with a win as the franchise is about to be sold and moved to Salt Lake City.

Blackhawks In Case You Missed It

• Gavin Hayes is the latest of Blackhawks prospects to enjoy postseason success
• There are a lot of lessons to be learned by the Chicago Blackhawks as the 2024-25 season is coming to an end.
• The Chicago Blackhawks can be a bubble team in 2024-25 if Petr Mrazek plays the way that he did this season. They’d be even worse if he weren’t there. 

Hockey Now Playoff Focus

• Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jeff Carter of the Pittsburgh Penguins calls it a career following his team’s elimination from postseason contention.
• Vegas Hockey Now: The Vegas Golden Knights won’t truly know their playoff situation until the season’s final game.
• New York Islanders Hockey Now: The New York Islanders have made the playoffs and will face the Carolina Hurricanes.