TORONTO – Controversial Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov, who was booed for his blatant lack of effort during Friday's skills competition, didn't make a big deal out of it in his reaction Saturday in Toronto.
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“I don’t care, I was here to play my game,” he deadpanned about the reaction he provoked from certain fans on Friday and Saturday.
Despite his nonchalance, Kucherov had some good words when discussing the 3-on-3 games played in the main event of the All-Star Game on Sunday. We also saw the Russian show a little more heart as the day progressed, even as the boos continued towards him.
Nikita Kucherov during the game between Team Matthews and Team Hughes. Photo Bruce Bennett/Getty Images via AFP
“I liked it,” he assured. I'm here to have fun and I'm sure the fans had fun. It was nice to be here surrounded by the best players and to be on the ice with them.”
A lack of respect?
On Friday, Kucherov earned the ire of several fans by showing poor performance in both the passing and puck-handling tests.
Let's say he took his time on the ice, which displeased fans who saw it as a lack of respect. According to TVA Sports, his behavior was also denounced by certain National Hockey League officials.