NHL
Nikita KucherovOpens in new window
Erik KarlssonOpens in new window
Pavel ZachaOpens in new window

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

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TAMPA, FL - MARCH 14: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Carolina Hurricanes at Benchmark International Arena on March 14, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images) (Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)

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.

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