Nikita Kucherov of the Tampa Bay Lightning had a tremendous compliment paid to him Tuesday.

  • Baby girl born Tuesday named after Nikita Kucherov
  • Nikita Franklin was born weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces

A baby girl born at Florida Hospital Tampa was named in his honor, hours before the Bolts were set to play the Pittsburg Penguins in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

"Florida Hospital Tampa is so excited for the Franklin family as they welcome their new daughter Nikita on game day," Director of Media Relations Jennifer McVan said. "The mom said she's excited to take a nap and watch the game from the hospital room."

McVan said the Franklins were originally planning to go to the game, but baby Nikita had other ideas.

Nikita Franklin’s parents said they were watching the Lightning play when they found out they were pregnant. Whoever made the next goal, they said, would be the inspiration for their child's name.

Nikita was born weighing 8 pounds, 11 ounces.