Kucherov missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but will return to tonight vs. the Canadiens. Kucherov comes in on a four-game goal scoring streak (4G / 1A) and will be looking to score his 30th goal of the season. Mike Blunden will come out of the lineup to make room for the Russian forward.
Nikita Kucherov News
Kucherov will miss his second straight game with a lower-body injury that he suffered on Friday vs. the Islanders. Kucherov will remain sidelined, but Valtteri Filppula will return to the top line vs. the Maple Leafs. Kucherov remains day-to-day.
Kucherov was injured while blocking a shot in the third period of Friday’s win. Because of the back-to-back, the Lightning did not hold a morning skate, so monitor his status leading up to warmups tonight.
Kucherov left Sunday’s game in Columbus after being sucker-punched by Dalton Prout. He took part in the morning skate and will play in Toronto on a line with Steven Stamkos and Alex Killorn. Kucherov has one goal and five assists (six points) in his last seven games.
Kucherov was sucker-punched by Blue Jackets’ defenseman Dalton Prout. The Lightning did not have an update on Kucherov’s status, but it is not believed to be serious.
Kucherov has missed the last two games with a lower-body injury, but will return to the lineup tonight in New Jersey. Kucherov has three goals and one assist in his last five games and 49 points (24G / 25A) in 58 games on the year.
Kucherov missed Monday’s game with a lower-body injury, but took part in today’s morning skate and is listed as a game-time decision. If Kucherov can’t play, look for Jonathan Marchessault to skate on the Lightning’s second line.
Kucherov returned to the game after the hit and is not feeling any ailments after being levelled by Kronwall. Luckily for the Lightning, they will have Kucherov while the Red Wings will not have Kronwall as a result of the hit.
Kucherov was "sent down" yesterday as a "paper move" to get the Lightning under the cap, but is back with the Lightning today. He is skating on the fourth line with Vladimir Namestnikov and Brett Connolly. He and Namestnikov were sensational during the preseason.
Kucherov was likely sent down as a "paper-move" to help get under the cap before finalizing their 23-man roster. The Lightning did the same thing with Brett Connolly last season so Kucherov should be back with the team soon and in the lineup on Thursday. Kucherov led all players with six goals in the preseason, so expect him to be back.
Kucherov, 20, was the 58th overall pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft. The Russian winger has tore up the AHL this season recording 13 goals and 11 assists (24 points) in 17 games. He will debut on a line with Alex Kilorn and Teddy Purcell.