NHL: Lightning F Nikita Kucherov’s epic Stanley Cup rant has people talking

Nikita Kucherov said he hadn’t slept in three days prior to lifting the Stanley Cup high overhead last night. In a postgame shirtless celebration rant, he unloaded on a few topics.

He began by chugging his beer and then pounding on the table. “Lets Go,” he said, looking very comfortable with his cap on backwards accompanied by a huge smile.

Kucherov on Vasilevskiy

Unsolicited and unprompted, Kucherov could not hold back his feelings for Conn Smythe winner, Andrei Vasilevskiy.

“Vasy was outstanding,” he said. “I was telling him everyday, ‘Vasy you the MVP’, you’re the best player.”

Kucherov could’ve stopped there, but we would’ve all missed out on this epic rant.

“They gave – whatever the guy in Vegas, the Vezina. And then last year they gave the Vezina to somebody else,” a perplexed Kucherov explained. “Number one bullshit – Vasy took both Cups – he took MVP – and I keep telling him he’s MVP – he’s the best.”

Obviously, he was alluding to Marc-Andre Fleury who took home the honors this season. However, the shot seems more directed to the GM’s that voted on the award, then it was on Fleury.

Kucherov gives Canadiens fans a parting shot

kucherov blasts canadiens fans
Jul 2, 2021; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) defends the net against Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) during the first period in game three of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports

The comments that seemed to spark the most controversy came at the expense of Canadiens fans.

“I didn’t want to go back to Montreal,” he added. “The fans in Montreal, c’mon. They acted like they won the Stanley Cup last game.” Kucherov is obviously referencing the Habs Game 4 win where fans outside the Bell Centre partied in the streets avoiding a sweep.

“You kidding me? You kidding me?” he said in disbelief. “Their final was last series.”

Oh boy! I can’t wait for the Lightning’s next visit to Montreal during the 2021-22 campaign.

-This article was originally published at The Daily Goal Horn

Anthony Scultore has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL since 2014. His work also appears at YardBarker, and MSN. Features have been linked on Sportsnet, NBC, TFP, NY POST, NEWSDAY and more.