Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh (43) celebrates his goal against the Minnesota Wild with right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) and center Jake Guentzel (59) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

By The Canadian Press

Kucherov, Karlsson, Zacha named NHL’s three stars of March

Apr 1, 2026 | 12:13 PM

NEW YORK — Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov, Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Erik Karlsson and Boston Bruins centre Pavel Zacha have been named the NHL’s three stars of March.

Kucherov led the league with 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) in 14 games as the Lightning continue to challenge Buffalo for first place in the Atlantic Division.

The two-time defending Art Ross Trophy winner as the league’s top scorer hit the 100-point mark for a fourth straight season when he had four assists in a 5-2 win over Toronto on March 7.

Kucherov, who has missed Tampa Bay’s last two games with an illness, entered Wednesday second in league scoring with 121 points, four behind Edmonton captain Connor McDavid.

Karlsson was second in scoring last month with 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 17 games, while Zacha had a league-leading 13 goals in 16 games.

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St. Louis Blues forward Jimmy Snuggerud was named March’s top rookie after posting seven goals and eight assists over 14 games.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 1, 2026.

The Canadian Press