The Greatest NHL MVP Race We’ve Seen In Years

#nhl #hockey #vancouvercanucks
We are witnessing an all time battle for the 2023/2024 NHL Hart Trophy between Nathan Mackinnon & Nikita Kucherov. We break down how the two are dominating the National Hockey League in two completely different ways.
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[@juhuu13579]

You analyze hockey the way my favorite youtubers break down film analysis. It makes the game that much more enjoyable, I love it

[@MosquitoMurderer]

You'd smell his farts too wouldn't you?

[@SC4RY_G4RRY]

I'm addicted to this channel. Nice recap of the NHL season weekly, keep up the good work

[@harleymanning5213]

Yeah this is the kind of sports journalism I love.

[@scotthot81988]

Same.

[@johnolar4326]

Not to mention the great deep dives on both top-of-mind, and more nuanced topics in between all the recaps

[@bartsanders1553]

He pops into my feed regularly, and I always enjoy his work. What am I even doing with my life? Sub!

[@njimko91]

Same

[@drewjensen2798]

Mackinnon is a class act for calling kuch out on that pod.

[@charlottecorday8494]

I love when these guys compliment each other, shows such a love for the game!

[@drewjensen2798]

@charlottecorday8494 truth! You can hear the authenticity in Mackinnon's voice too. He really does admire Kuch!

[@davef4214]

Kucherov is ridiculous

[@JackBirdbath]

@@davef4214best patience with the puck since Datsyuk. His vision is considerably better than nearly everyone else.

[@davef4214]

@@JackBirdbath His hockey IQ is among the best ever. The passing lanes he sees and creates are just unreal. I'm not sure about his puck patience at times, sometimes he creates a bad turnover but it's not 100% his fault when that happens. Only Point amd Hagel, sometimes Cirelli can legitimately keep up and always be ready for Kucherovs eagle vision with the puck, and he sends it right to the other team. That being said, I've seen him make some absolutely mind boggling passes. Dude is a sharpshooter too

[@user-we2yt5on9b]

These two have had what could be considered a great season. There are more than 30 games remaining. Exceptional talents. And the winner is………………….all us fans.

[@carltonwagner]

Great video. MacKinnon has been gradually slowing the game down for his entire career. The first few years of his career, he just skated toward the goal as quickly as he could. He's improved every year by constantly refining that approach.

[@urex1717]

One thing about Kucherov that often gets overlooked is the fact that he makes his teammates better because of the example that he sets. He is such a pleasure to watch.

[@BodyofWater_]

Literally same as MacKinnon lol

[@SvanMagic]

​@@BodyofWater_Kuch leads the league in primary assists. Mac leads in secondary assists. They're both very important to their team but Mac's teammates are doing much more helping than Kuch's. The thirty point difference in points for Kuch and his closest teammate shows that just as much.

[@ph1shstyx]

@@SvanMagic MacKinnon is also leading in even strength points over Kuch, by a significant margin.

[@BodyofWater_]

@@SvanMagic to be honest bro that is a really stupid comment. I can tell you do not watch both players as I do lol. MacKinnon would have well over 100 points already if many of his teammates finished plays that he set up for them. Your comment couldnt be more wrong. Also, MacKinnon has more 5 on 5 goals than Kuch. That in itself makes your argument pointless

[@xdemigodx21]

​@@SvanMagic Yeah even strength kinda trumps that by a mile

[@jeremysaluta1909]

the first clip where it said "producing wins for their team" then immediately shows Matthews was the funniest part of the video

[@triggSerable]

I've been casually following the NHL for a few years but recently started to really get into it. This channel is FANTASTIC! Keep it up and all the best wishes from germany!

[@Handzupisgeil]

Wenn du dir schon die Mühe gibst antworte ich auch. Ist bei mir genau die gleiche Situation. Aber so viele Spiele die gespielt werden überfordern mich und dieser Channel macht so unfassbar gute Videos alles was man live sieht nochmal "einzuordnen "

[@triggSerable]

@@Handzupisgeil Oh ja, es ist unfassbar schwierig, da den Überblick zu behalten. Unglaublich, wie viele Spiele die Teams abreißen.

[@niklasmuller6969]

Habe auch vor ein paar Wochen den Kanal entdeckt und liebe ihn. Habe mein Leben lang Fußball gespielt und selbst nie Eishockey und durch diesen Kanal habe ich so vieles über die verschieden Taktiken usw gelernt.

[@trevorconnatser6161]

As a diehard bolts fan I don’t think I’ve clicked on a video faster 😂

[@SilverPortal]

Both of these players are exciting to watch. Almost every time they touch the puck offensively there’s an opportunity for a grade A shot. I’ve watched Kuch a lot this year and most years he’s elite but this season it’s absolutely amazing what he does. Most of the time his teammates are not on the same page and they can’t believe the puck got on their stick, from his pass.

[@McNutEVD]

the reason point works so well with kucherov is he’s one of the few players that has the mental focus to play his game while ALWAYS expecting kuch to magically get the puck on his stick at any time.

[@2masterofpuppets2]

Another great video. Huge Kuch fan. Back in 2015 when he played on the 2nd line w/palat & Johnson you could tell he was actually our best player, and still is😊

[@malcolmapplet4313]

I'll never forget the Triplets Line. The thrown together "what do I do with these guys?" line

[@ethanparker7900]

the triplets line damn so much fun watching. That 2014-2015 year was like a dream season and that 2015 final run was so much fun. You knew that despite them falling in the final against chicago it was just the beginning of something special we might never see from them again by ruling the rest of the 2010s and the first 2-3 years of the 2020s and that 15 final sure was a hard fought series that was nerve wracking as hell and low scoring from both sides. Ofc since the 2015-2016 Stammer and Kuch have been attached to the hip and thats been dope asf but yah the triplets in 2014-2015 was epic!!! His rookie year the year before in the olympic year was obviously pretty quiet but his sophomore year the 2014-2015 year was when he really got going and rose to stardom and he ofc never looked back and that 2018-2019 year was one for the century as well and we all knew kuch was gonna get the hart trophy it wasn't even close. That entire dynasty from 2015-2022 no one ever looked back with that dominance secured. The bolts got robbed of a cup in 2016 tbh and if they had won in 2016 against san jose rather than pittsburgh, kucherov would've been my pick for the conn smythe and it would be 3 cups over 2 and 5 cup finals rather than 4 (back to back finals in 2010s and ofc back to back to back in the 2020s . Either way their dominance within that time span was well documented. I am a caps fan and I knew when we played against the lightning in 2018 in round 3 wasn't gonna be an easy task lol and somehow we did recover from that 3-2 deficit and won series 4-3. the bolts coming 1 win short of the final in 2018 idc about since I like i said am a caps fan but man 2016 they got robbed hard. Sorry for the long comment lol just a lot of dope stuff to look back on

[@AlyxiSistahTweaky25]

That line gave me flashbacks to the kid line of the Avs in 99-02 season (Drury, Hejduk and Tanguay).

[@jsmitty2047]

It is funny, two completely different players. Kucherrov makes it look effortless where is Mackinnon has blazing speed and athleticism.

[@michaelmayo2489]

The way kuch sees everything and the way Mack sees red at everything in front of him is incredible

[@headphoneactivist]

Yooo that breakdown on how he slows down the game was awesome !! im hooked on this channel.

[@303goonie]

Awesome breakdown. 2 different players but both dominant in their own ways

[@jocksmachina7759]

Played hockey for a long time and you explain the complicated aspects of the game is such a simple and easy to understand way. Very underrated channel. Great work! I wish I had your channel when I was a kid!

[@keithck3720]

It's incredible that McDavid, Matthews, Crosby and Pastrnak are having their own amazing seasons yet they're barely in the Hart conversation simply because Kucherov and MacKinnon are having seasons that are that much better. What a wild season!

[@sukhjhangri5048]

To be fair, this is a “mediocre” season by McDavid’s standards. The injury he played with knocked him off his pace, but I think he’ll catchup before the season is over.

[@keithck3720]

@@sukhjhangri5048 He definitely had a slow start but has really picked up the pace. Obviously it's a team game and the Oilers will eventually come back down to Earth but if him and they can continue at somewhat close to their current pace, that ought to put him into the conversation.

[@teeemm9456]

@@sukhjhangri5048 It's decided then, Mc and Mac to the Bolts.

[@forsaken.cowboy]

Sure about that?

[@sukhjhangri5048]

​@@forsaken.cowboy Great to see my comment aging well :D Never doubted McDavid for a moment. If the Oil go on a run in the playoffs, he'll for sure hit 1000 points this season.

[@Mumaakil]

bro its insane how kucherov and mackinnon just keep racking up the points. they cant be tamed

[@the6ixman]

Making me want to cook up some NHL videos, this guy makes flat out incredible videos. Happy to have been on the ride for a while.. can't wait to see you hit 200k

[@chelious1973]

You did it again. With all these MVP videos flooding You Tube you break it down on why each player is special and deserving of the MVP award. Best hockey channel on You Tube. Bravo sir, bravo. 👏

[@Andriig75]

Both are very very good. Glad I get to watch this generational talent. So good to be a hockey fan now.

[@matthewthibault6471]

A song of fire and ice

[@theinferno18]

You see the game so differently than I would have thought, it's great to see this analysis, learning new things all the time, keep up the great work!

[@CanadianBongRipper]

Everyone knows Mackinnon is amazing but Kucherov doesn't get the praise he deserves. He's more than an elite player, he's one of the best player in the last 25 years. If it wasn't for injuries and covid he would most likely have seven 100 points seasons in a row. He's on his way to have his 3rd season with over 110 points. Hart Trophy winner, Art Ross winner, Conn Smythe winner and maybe on his way to add another Hart and Art Ross. Back to back 30 points playoffs and 27 points the year after that. Not only an amazing regular season player but an absolute beast in the playoffs. Kucherov is one of the best player i've ever seen.

[@seanlyttle2882]

Awesome breakdown. Really in-depth. I’m a Lightning fan so I LOVE me some Kucherov, but Mackinnon is something to watch.

[@the1andonly759]

Top tier kuch breakdown

[@jfayiii]

It did show some open ice stuff I hadn't picked up on, for sure.

[@BigSleepyJoeCooking]

Crazy how opposite these two are kuch makes everything look effortless and mackinnon makes it look like he will just out work you

[@stormchaser419]

Excellent breakdown! Both of them are playing incredible. No surprise. They have incredible talent!

[@evanshrader6266]

I am a diehard avs fan and have been since the avs finished with 48 points in the 2016-17 season. So I can’t speak about this race from an unbiased perspective. However, I am just glad that mcdavid is not at the top, finally the hockey media can shine light on players who are playing out of their minds but have been overshadowed by mcdavid the past couple years. This is the reason I hate mcdavid so much and the reason I am so invested and excited for the rest of this season

[@albertnordine6546]

Wow at least you have the guts to admit you hate him because you are jealous he is the best in the game. Good for you but as we speak now, it is down to him and MacKinnon for that honor. Kucherov is a very skilled player but he's a floater and plays no defense. His plus/minus shows that. 8 empty net goals and 17 points from empty nets . Stays on the ice for full 2 minutes of power play and empty nets.

[@forsaken.cowboy]

McDavid is taking it lmao

[@jaososchefget3632]

these breakdowns are some of the best i've seen for any sport this is amazing keep it up

[@cdanielh128]

Brother you get me pumped for hockey like nothing else does. Keep up the great breakdowns. So many are learning so much!

[@owenlaukkanen]

Man, your breakdowns just consistently blow my mind. I love the weekly recap but these more focused pieces are special. Better content than I'm seeing on any of the networks by a mile.

[@DarthRevan905]

One of my favourite channels recently👌

[@moodshelby]

This channel is fantastic. Dramatically increased my knowledge of the game and changed how I even see the game. Thank you

[@Nothingreallyexists]

This is one of your most aware, most hyped videos I think I've watched in the last year or so I've been following. Really great analysis, really awesome stuff!

[@Rick-pw6ej]

I am absolutely blown away by your channel: your content is light speed ahead of anyone else covering hockey on KZbin. If you don't mind me asking - do you have a psy degree? Did you play lots of hockey growing up?

[@scummydummy]

What a video man. Thanks! And great point. Kuch is insane. Wish the wings could have em

[@moroney981]

Unreal video dude. You can see the effort you put in disecting each topic prior to discussion. You have a very bright future in hockey analysis.

[@alexeyvarfolomeev7211]

It's amazing how a guy from the town Kuch is from has made, and continues to make, such an impact on the best hockey league in the world. To me Kuch is the epitome of what Soviet/Russian hockey tradition is all about, vision and passing. Sure he is not as explosive or highlight-producing as Nathan, but that's because where he is from they say best hockey is puck-sharing hockey. There'll be players faster or stronger than you, but you if you try hard, you're ll be the smartest. Also, I believe Nathan has a better team to back him up this season compared to the ageing backup group Kuch has. Makar and Rantanen are now on the rise while Stamkos and Hedman are slowing down for obvious reasons. Great race, both players are fantastic. I am in Kucherov's corner since we're both Russians)

[@Drainbamege]

I always joke, that Kuch never misses a pass or places a pass in the wrong place. His team mates just don't see the goal he is setting them up for. I joke about it, but most of the time its true. The guys vision is unreal. Its crazy how 2 guys with different styles and different strengths and weaknesses are neck and neck.

[@Corywinget81]

Im so glad i found this channel!

[@danielk9475]

It's so easy to under-appreciate what Kuch does; this is a great breakdown! I'm loving the rivalry but so far I think Kuch should take the Hart. His performance just has a bigger impact. The Avs without Mack would still be playoff contenders. Without Kuch the Bolts wouldn't be in the running. Things for the Bolts are finally coming together as Vasy is getting back in the groove and our rookie D core are figuring out their roles but had Kuch not been having the season he is the Bolts would be so much further behind in points that making the playoff would have been a longshot. Instead they're battling the Leafs for a 3rd place seating. His performance has completely changed the landscape of the division.

[@Semaj2326]

Really love the content. You do a great job breaking down the game.

[@tylerdurden4006]

Gotta love how for once, everyone loves the western player in Mackinnon over the eastern player. Western players are usually biased against but absolutely everyone loves and agrees with Mackinnon.

[@goblynkyng8666]

Loved the video! Great analysis of both players. As an Avs fan, I don't see a lot of Kucherov, but I readily acknowledge his greatness. I admit a bit of bias, but as a guy that was introduced to hockey watching Sakic, Forsberg (Peter the great, not Philip the, eh, he's not so bad), Datsyuk and Yserman....MacK may be playing the best single season of hockey I've ever seen.

[@nomore7415]

Well said and put together! Great channel

[@GUISNIP]

What great work. You’re the MVP of NHL analysis:)

[@clintonbrendle6843]

Man these videos are incredible please keep it up!

[@marc-antoinemarcoux697]

Really happy to see gain more momentum and have 120k subs now. You're the best hockey analyst on youtube.

[@ryannorris6128]

Really enjoying your channel. Nice work!

[@frozenpoopy]

I think Kuch should get the Hart just based on the team he's on. He is willing this team to the playoffs. The d core that got this team to 3 finals is gone, Vasy was out and took some time to get back into it. But Nate is also great too. But I think AVs would be playoff bound regardless of his play. If Kuch didn't play like this this year playoffs would be out of the question.

[@jayn_]

been loving ur videos recently!

[@sphenopalatineganglioneuralgia]

Great video!

[@AllycrocYoo7]

I love your channel and appreciate your knowledge of the game and the love for the game 🐐

[@dev...5150]

Excellent breakdown... Hope they both stay healthy so we can continue to witness this mastery throughout the rest of the season... 😏👍🏽

[@ericksonjustinAK]

Kucherov is smart, patient, and clean. MacKinnon is quick and aggressive with his mind, feet, and hands. What never gets old with MacKinnon is how he all of a sudden appears to be skating downhill once he gets the puck. Nobody is as fierce of a competitor as MacKinnon. Nobody.

[@user-rj7nv8sb5k]

I’m a huge Tampa fan and I just love that Kucherov is getting attention and picking up a bunch of points

[@ethanparker7900]

Both guys have dominated the 2020s and had dominated the 2010s as well. Both came in at the same time in 2013 and had small growing pains kuch getting there right when Lecavalier left and mackinnon right when hejduk retired both big shoes to fill but swiftly got over em and just swarmed and took the nhl by a storm like ovi, crosby, stamkos, malkin, kane, datsyuk, the sedins, etc. MacKinnon honestly should've has the hart trophy in 2018 and I hope he gets it this year and kuch actually getting it in 2019 ofc was justified it wasn't even close and ofc Kuch and the lightning created a dynasty for themselves between 2015-2022 with the 2 titles and 4 cup final runs. That 2015 run was so much fun with the second line the triplets line of him, palat and johnson and ofc since the 2015-2016 season him and stammer being one of the most electric duos in the league. Kucherov easily would've been the conn smythe winner in 2016 if they had won the cup against the sharks instead of pittsburgh. The bolts got robbed of a back to back final and a title then and it would be 3 titles and 5 finals for kuch and the rest of the core. 2018 I ofc dont care about much being a caps fan lol but 2016 uah they were robbed. When stammer was hurt in the 2020 bubble as difficult as it was to see his absence, that triplets 2.0 line of kuch, palat and point was sick too and the triplets 3.0 line in the 2022 final with Stammer, kuch and palat after cooper moved palat with stammer and kuch and moved paul down to the second line after paul played the first 3 round with stammer and kuch on line 1 was just sick. Natedogg too and how his chemistry with both landeskog and rantanen is unreal like those 3 really made it out for one another in that 2022 title. Kinda surprised mackinnon wasn't the conn smythe winner but hey makar was a reasonable alternative

[@lup1up]

Hey, thank you for updating and improving the title and thumbnail! One step closer to those descriptive titles some of us have been asking for. Will keep on following your content! I even removed the other channels from my suggestions cus there's way too many flooding the market

[@DrToboggan43]

Great video. Keep up the great work!

[@JITLmeHARD]

Poor Pasta barely holding on, these two are just on another level right now, making their teams very scary to go 7 against.

[@jakenichols2626]

Bro you have an actual gift for making these videos.

[@Regalman]

great video kucherov is like a calm lightning strike while mackinnon is like a rumbling avalanche sick.

[@wurker1466]

Best hockey channel. Great work.

[@rubikscubeking8398]

Very interesting analysis thank you

[@nickp8827]

This video is really informative. From a lifelong player and fan. Learning new things

[@HammerJammer81]

Got Kucherov on my Fantasy team this year and no complaints

[@pulsefang666]

You earned my subscription.

[@MoreGamingTeam]

Great video. GoAvsGo!

[@RoscoMontana21]

Mackinnon is an absolute dawg, the looks he gets in his eyes sometimes, especially if the Avs are down 1, are chilling.

[@davidrich4791]

This channel not only is a great analysis and entertainment, it’s an education

[@bluelinetrader]

Thanks for reminding me how much I love this game.

[@NickMasseyRideon]

great analysis

[@bsfm6990]

You got to feel bad for Reinhart and Kuch. Their achievement and pace are incredible but are talk less due to Mackinnon and matthews being in more of a heater

[@FalloutUrMum]

It's because MacKinnon is Canadian and Mathews is on the Leafs. The NHL press and media prioritize Canadian players and Canadian teams. Genuinely frustrating

[@rolieg81]

It's a fluke year for Reinhardt, Mac has been doing it since '13

[@bsfm6990]

@@rolieg81 he has been 30+ goal scorer since he left Buffalo even in a fluke year appreciate what he is doing

[@TrueMr.Quinn1]

@@rolieg81let me guess, you’re a butt hurt Buffalo fan?

[@thalockenessmonster]

I'm glad I stumbled upon this channel. Absolutely one of my favorites. In saying that, kuch is elite, but he usually doesn't get the credit he deserves because he is portrayed as the villain so to speak, after the cup win vs Montreal. He's post game antics. My thoughts anyways.

[@maplez8210]

I just gotta say how much I love this fucking channel. Straight to the point, the subtle background music, your overall hockey knowledge on small details. These videos just give a certain feeling that get you hyped. Favourite NHL account on KZbin and its not even close edit: had to correct my grammar like 3x 💀

[@fastfrenchy4105]

How are all your titles the exact same and we all just keep clicking 😂. Your deep dives are great man keep grinding

[@NifeOO4niff]

The talent in the NHL puts every other league to shame. What an unbelievable sport

[@dicedindin8193]

Hearing a star player talk about another star like mckinnon did is awesome to hear gotta love it man

[@Unholy_Louie]

What they usual do during the playoffs is also a HUGE reason for their MVP status... It's why always sneaking some AM clips into those sort of vid always feels so fake dude. But as time passes you're really shedding your Tor cultish fan coat, and it's great to see! Good for mental health too I swear; no joke... Awesome vid. Thx and take care dude.

[@collinosullivan3175]

Awesome vid

[@dronlaa]

The best hockey channel

[@oblivion2674]

I feel like you should analyze Devon Toews. He is the best defence in the league imo. He doesn’t do the fancy thing he does the right thing

[@Reladan187]

Kuch is great. The man is incredible. But if you look at Hart, and what it stands for. It’s the Mack for me 100%

[@yernotthebossofme1062]

Thank you for this Intelligent, insightful video.

[@staffan144]

Good video. Interesting

[@bungerroyale112]

Kucherov is the NHL Nikola Jokic: unparalleled vision, slows the game down with half speed movement and timing, insane control and passing yet never gets the love they deserve because they're not the flashiest

[@charlottecorday8494]

As far as Joker, he only needs to speak in MVP awards.

[@SvanMagic]

​@@charlottecorday8494and championships.

[@BahamutBreaker]

Absolutely love the breakdown and comparison of two elite players. However, it’s disingenuous to suggest that the Hart Trophy is, at this time, guaranteed to be awarded to only McKinnon or Kucherov. There is no “half season MVP” award. At a minimum, Quinn Hughes and David Pastrnak are in the discussion.

[@dickdavidson3616]

Well said

[@mpaulm]

This is nothing new for Kucherov. He was the first person to score over 120 points back in 2019 for two decades.

[@SvanMagic]

Highest Russian ever and will break that record this year.

[@1q3er5]

great vid

[@gordonjones6436]

god damn this channel is awesome for a hockey casual like me

[@yellowsnowman9157]

Kucherov is next level. He should win.... And I'm a big MacKinnon fan. But I gotta keep it real.

[@VarjoPira]

Let them cook. Impossible to say who should have it yet.

[@kuningaskolassas4720]

Really wish this was a much more even look at both players instead of focusing almost entirely on Kucherov, with Mackinnon feeling more like an afterthought. Or just have separate videos focusing on each, instead of just trying to squeeze one or two bits about Mackinnon in right at the end after talking about Kucherov for the entire video.

[@Kaus5221]

Well written good job

[@SSS-ui4tt]

Kuuuuuuuuuuch!))Excellent analysis, the author is an excellent specialist

[@Tom-zi9xw]

I've been a die hard Avs fan for 25 years. Obviously I love Mac. But...Kucherov is a BEAST. And this isn't the first time he's having a Hart-level season.

[@McNutEVD]

can you imagine how disruptive it would to have kuch slow the play down to a borderline standstill and then rip one of his trademark nonchalant passes to mac moving like a freight train? they’d end the year with like 175 points each.

[@eliabaumann465]

i'd like to see a video about kucherov

[@CallsignJoNay]

Both amazing players but I'm a slightly bigger fan of Kuch. He makes everything look so effortless.

[@mrletsplayit]

Its hard to describe whats so appealing about your channel. I'm not the most hardcore of hockey fans;this is the only hockey media i watch outside of games. You're just so crisp and to the point. I love it

[@bartsanders1553]

Kucherov creates/finds open ice like few others have. His linemates are equally good at getting to the open ice.👍