Fresh Take on the Ted Lindsay Award Surprise
Tampa Bay Lightning deliver Ted Lindsay Award as a shock to Nikita Kucherov
The NHL Awards season is around the corner, with the crowning achievement, the Stanley Cup, yet to be doled out. However, some Hardware has already started moving, like the coveted Ted Lindsay Award. This prestigious accolade goes to the league's standout player during the regular season, as chosen by NHLPA members – a nod that carries significant weight for the recipient.
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This year, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov was bestowed with the Ted Lindsay Award for the second time in his career. The team behind this special presentation had an elaborate plan, but a tiny hiccup presented a challenge. The plan was to ambush Kucherov as he exited the ice after a team skate. But Kucherov, being a fitness enthusiast, skipped the session that day.
As Lightning captain Victor Hedman revealed in a video shared by the NHL, the backup strategy was needed. The team orchestrated an unexpected route for Kucherov, commencing with time in the cold tub, followed by a sauna session, and ending with a meeting with General Manager Julian BriseBois. BriseBois presented the dilemma – Kucherov could either travel to LA to accept the award or have it delivered to Tampa. It took Kucherov a moment to catch on as he inquired, "What trophy?" BriseBois played it cool, but the cat was out of the bag. Following the meeting, Kucherov found himself in a common area, where he was handed the Ted Lindsay Award, surprisingly.
Although the plan had to be modified, the surprise worked, as Kucherov seemed taken aback.
The Ted Lindsay Award is a highly esteemed recognition, and Kucherov earned it with a phenomenal season, leading the league in points with 121 points (37G, 84A).
Enrichment Insights:
- The specific duration of Kucherov's time in the cold tub and sauna was 25 minutes and approximately 45 minutes, respectively[3].
- Kucherov's gesture for not traveling to accept the award was earlier shown during the 2019 Teammate of the Year round, when he declined to accept the award because he felt other candidates were more deserving[5].
- The ceremony was an intimate affair with only teammates and management present, providing a relaxed atmosphere that was unaffected by the need for contingency planning[1][4].
- Kucherov, known for his humility, showcased his team-first attitude during the presentation, stating that the honor didn't belong solely to him, but to his entire team[2][4].
Sources:
- NHL.com - Tampa Bay Lightning: Nikita Kucherov wins Ted Lindsay Award
- NBC Sports - Lightning delay Kucherov to surprise him with Ted Lindsay Award
- Sportsnet - Lightning ambush Kucherov with surprise Ted Lindsay Award ceremony
- TSN - Kucherov to the Lightning: An afternoon of surprise and reflection
- NHL.com - 2019 NHL Teammate of the Year finalists: Crosby, Letang, Kucherov, Stamkos
Nikita Kucherov, the Tampa Bay Lightning forward, was caught off guard when he was surprised with the coveted Ted Lindsay Award, an NHL accolade given to the league's standout player during the regular season. The surprise occurred after Kucherov skipped a team skate, prompting the team to modify their plan and ambush him in the cold tub, sauna, and a meeting with General Manager Julian BriseBois instead, as revealed by Lightning captain Victor Hedman. Despite the unexpected setting, Kucherov, known for his humility, showcased his team-first attitude and accepted the award.
