Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov may have a ‘Cutting Edge’ future

Everyone knows Nikita Kucherov has some skills when it comes to his puck handling and goal-scoring abilities.

But the right wing took his talents to a whole new level in Bauer Hockey’s latest advertisement.

In the video, Kucherov stays after practice for some additional reps. After everyone leaves the ice, he winks at the rink staffer, who turns on some classical music.

Kucherov drops his stick and starts skating backward. The camera focuses on “his” footwork during a figure skating routine any Olympic coach would love.

After going through some reps, Kucherov’s final trick is a back flip, which “he” lands flawlessly. Well, we’re at least sure the ending pose is all him.

“I can’t believe he’s still out there,” one of his “teammates” says to the “coach.”

“That’s why he’s Kuch,” the “coach” responds.

Kucherov’s success has carried through the postseason.

The right wing has posted the second-most points (22) behind center Brayden Point (23). He leads the team in assists (16), shots (52) and power play points (6).

In the Lightning’s Game 1 win against the Islanders, Kucherov posted five points (four assists, one goal) alongside Point (three assists, two goals). The tandem made franchise history as the first players to log five points in a playoff game.

Contact Mari Faiello at mfaiello@tampabay.com. Follow @faiello_mari.

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