[NHL] Kucherov Picks Up Two Assists in First Home Game Since Trade Request

[Mickey the Mouth]

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The Tampa Bay Lightning kept rolling at Amalie Arena, topping the Detroit Red Wings 4-2 on Tuesday night for their seventh consecutive home victory.

Brayden Point led the way with two goals, including a first-period power-play marker off a Nikita Kucherov feed. Anthony Cirelli also scored as Tampa Bay built a 3-0 lead before Detroit rallied.

Kucherov, the reigning NHL MVP, added two assists in his first home appearance since requesting a trade. Fans showed support during warmups with signs reading "We Stand with Kuch 86" and "Pay Stay Kuch." He has five assists in two games since making his request public.

Lucas Raymond and J.T. Compher scored for Detroit. The Red Wings pulled their goaltender late and pressured Andrei Vasilevskiy, but Ryan McDonagh sealed it with an empty-netter with one second remaining.

Kucherov said Monday his trade request stemmed from poor communication with general manager Julien BriseBois, not money: "It was never about the money for me."

Mickey's Angle: Kucherov is producing despite the drama, but keep an eye on how long Tampa Bay can maintain focus if this situation drags on.

Source: ESPN - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.