Nikita Kucherov's Mixed Praise for Canadiens After Playoff Exit
Nikita Kucherov gives Canadiens passive-aggressive praise for their play in Round 1 - "Don't think they did anything special"
Sportskeeda
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Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov offered a backhanded compliment to the Montreal Canadiens after their first-round playoff defeat. Despite acknowledging the Canadiens' defensive skills, Kucherov emphasized the Lightning's need for improvement. General manager Julien BriseBois defended Kucherov, labeling him a 'misunderstood genius' facing high expectations.
- 01Nikita Kucherov criticized the Canadiens' performance while acknowledging their defensive skills.
- 02The Canadiens eliminated the Lightning in a seven-game series during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs.
- 03Lightning GM Julien BriseBois defended Kucherov, calling him a 'misunderstood genius'.
- 04Kucherov finished the playoffs with six points, including one goal and five assists.
- 05The Lightning struggled with 5-on-5 play and power play opportunities throughout the series.
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In a surprising turn of events, Nikita Kucherov, a forward for the Tampa Bay Lightning, delivered a passive-aggressive remark regarding the Montreal Canadiens after their playoff series. The Canadiens defeated the Lightning in a hard-fought seven-game series during the 2026 Stanley Cup playoffs, showcasing their defensive prowess. Kucherov stated, 'I don’t think they did anything special,' attributing the loss to the Lightning's inability to create scoring chances and capitalize on power plays. He acknowledged the Canadiens as a good team but insisted that the Lightning needed to perform better. Following this, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois came to Kucherov's defense, describing him as a 'misunderstood genius' who faces immense pressure and high expectations. Kucherov concluded the playoffs with six points (one goal, five assists) in seven games, but his performance was scrutinized amid the team's early exit.
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Kucherov's comments and the Lightning's exit could affect team morale and fan expectations moving forward.
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