Nikita Kucherov has been one of the standout players in the NHL this season.
However, after something that happened in Game 4, fans are now criticizing Kucherov for overreacting to a hit he took.
On Sunday, the Tampa Bay Lightning managed to even their series against the Montreal Canadiens. Like the three games before it, this match was close, with only a one-goal difference. Brandon Hagel scored the final goal with just under five minutes left in the third period.
Brandon Hagel’s winning goal
Hagel also scored the tying goal, making it 2–2, which brings his total to six goals and one assist in four playoff games. Both of Hagel’s goals were set up by Nikita Kucherov.
“He’s the best player in the world. He delivers great performances year after year. I’ve had the chance to play alongside him for many years, so we’ve developed some good teamwork. But honestly, if you put him on the ice with anyone, he makes those players better,” Hagel said to reporters after the game.
Nikita Kucherov criticism
However, Kucherov is receiving some negative attention after the game. In the third period, Jake Evans cross-checked Kucherov and received a two-minute penalty. Now fans are claiming Kucherov faked his reaction to the hit and are expressing their opinions online.
“If you’re going to say Crosby and MacKinnon are faking, then you have to say the same about Kucherov. What a ridiculous call,” one fan commented on social media.
“That guy is the biggest drama king. He always does this, then he’s ready to play again for the power play after lying on the ice for three minutes,” another fan said.
“This was definitely acting. No doubt about it. This kind of stuff doesn’t even happen in casual games,” a third fan added.
“Kuch is going to really hurt himself if he keeps diving like that,” a fourth person joked.
The fifth game will take place in Tampa on Wednesday.
You can see what happened in the video below.
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