Sergachev's two points, Kaprizov's 40th goal and Malkin's goal in the majority: how the Russians became the stars of the day in the NHL

Tampa's Failed Test

The Lightning-Maple Leafs' duel at the end of the season was particularly remarkable, if only for the reason that it was a kind of rehearsal for the first round of the NHL playoffs. While most teams were just waiting to know the names of their opponents in the conference quarterfinals, the Tampa Bay and Toronto hockey players were already preparing for a second consecutive date at this stage of the tournament. A year earlier, John Cooper's charges with great difficulty took the upper hand (4-3), and the last game showed that this time it is unlikely to be easier.

The meeting at the Amali Arena turned out to be not only super-tense, but also incredibly tough and was remembered for the abundance of sending-offs. In total, the opponents earned 52 minutes of penalties, 20 of which were discharged for fights. First, former Tampa teammates Patrick Maroon and Luke Schenn, now defending the club's colours from Canada, clashed, and then Corey Perry and Michael Bunting followed suit.

By this point, the Lightning had already lost twice in the score, but in both cases they were fighting back, thanks to the Russian legionnaires. First, Alex Killorn put his stick under Mikhail Sergachev's cross and helped him score his sixth point in the last six games, and then Nikita Kucherov extended his scoring streak. After his shot on target, the puck transited through Braden Point to Nick Perbix, who restored parity. The Russian scored in the fifth consecutive meeting and reached the mark of 112 points, retaining third place in the race of scorers of the league. Only Connor McDavid (152) and Leon Draisaitl (125) have more.

But tampa's strength ended there. In the remaining time, Andrei Vasilevskiy conceded twice more and left the ice with an unusually low percentage of shots saved (83.3%), and his partners were only able to reduce the gap (3: 4). This time, there was no one in the way of Sergachev's puck. Mikhail scored his tenth goal of the season and repeated his personal best. Previously, this bar was conquered by him only in the championship-2019/20. As a result, the well-deserved title of third star.

Goals by Kaprizov and Malkin

It is noteworthy that on this day two other teams suffered defeats, where one of the main stars are domestic hockey players. Winnipeg could not cope with Minnesota, who recovered from injury Kirill Kaprizov. Dean Evason's men conceded twice by the 14th minute and were unable to recoup. Although they tried. Early in the third period, the Russian staged a real siege of the Jets' goal in the majority and on the third attempt still managed to break through Connor Hellebuyck and score the first goal after returning to action.

Kaprizov not only reached the 40-goal mark for the second time in his career in the regular season and became the Minnesota record holder for this indicator, but was also included in the top three stars of the meeting. And the reason for this is the activity in general. Kirill was the leader of the Wild not only in the number of accurate shots on target (eight), but also in the time spent on the ice (22:13). But he could not help his partners develop success. Not only did they not upset Hellebuyck again, but they also missed 1-3 in the end.

But if Kaprizov finished the game against Winnipeg with a -2 utility rating, his Pittsburgh compatriot with an even lower (-4). However, neither this fact nor the crushing defeat of the team prevented Evgeny Malkin from getting to the third line in the list of the main stars. And the reason for that was a goal early in the third period that allowed the Penguins to catch up with the Blackhawks in the score. During the draw of the majority, the Russian took a position on the spot and put the stick under the pass of Austin Wagner. And thanks to this, he scored for the 27th time in the championship. The last time he did it was five years ago. Then he "shot" 42 goals.

The problem is that Pittsburgh missed Chicago twice in a little over five minutes, and in the end allowed Chicago to hit the empty net twice, responding only with a "shot" from Danton Heinen (2-5). Thus, not only did he suffer a major defeat to one of the worst teams in the league, but also made it difficult for himself to win a place in the playoffs. Now Malkin and company need to beat Columbus and hope the Islanders will be beaten by Montreal in regulation time. After all, even a loss in overtime will allow them to remain on the rescue, eighth place in the Eastern Conference table. After all, in head-to-head meetings, the Penguins are inferior to competitors with a dry score (0-4).

Successes of Kuzmenko and Provorov

Unlike the star compatriots, Andrey Kuzmenko not only lit his name on the scoreboard, but also had the opportunity to celebrate the victory with the team. Vancouver defeated Anaheim 3-2 on the road, and the Russian scored the second goal. Midway through the first period, he opened up superbly on the edge of the foreign zone, went on a rendezvous with Lukáš Dostal and dealt with the Czech in a spectacular manner. A couple of deceptive movements and a hit just above the shield. The Ducks did not give up and subsequently even restored parity, but still lost. The point was put by J.T. Miller.

As for Kuzmenko, his debut season in the NHL can be called not only successful, but historic. The former SKA forward immediately broke out with 72 (39 + 33) points and set Vancouver records for the number of goals and scoring points among rookies. In the first indicator, he has long surpassed Pavel Bure (34), and in the second - teammate Elias Petterson (66). True, he will not be able to climb to the first line in terms of the number of passes. It is held by Quinn Hughes (48).

Ivan Provorov may well bring this game day to his credit. Against Columbus, not only did he assist his teammates twice to score points for the first time in 11 games, but he also helped Philadelphia break a losing streak. The Flyers last won on March 29, when they defeated Montreal in a tense battle.

And the first pass came at a glance. During the drawing of the extra, the Russian effectively turned around at the boards and with a return grip redirected the puck to James van Riemsdyk. He didn't miss and completed Philadelphia's 0-2 return. And with 15.5 seconds left in overtime, Provorov orchestrated an attack that was completed by Owen Tippett.