Kucherov in 'considerably better shape,' could play Monday
Joe SmithJoe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, June 14, 2015 6:30pm
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As bad as the injury to RW Nikita Kucherov looked Saturday night, it appears there's a chance he could be back in the lineup Monday for Game 6 against the Blackhawks.
Just five minutes into Saturday's game, Kucherov tripped over Chicago goalie Corey Crawford and collided with the left post, Cooper indicating the Russian wing's head made impact. Kucherov was hunched over in pain, leaving the game and never returning.
But Cooper said Kucherov has made significant progress, and even if he doesn't participate in Monday's optional skate, he could play.
"He's in considerable better shape today than he was last night," Cooper said. "And, to be honest, I thought there was a chance he was coming back (Saturday) night. But it didn't work out. These two days will give him the rest he needs."
Getting Kucherov back would be a huge boost as he's the Lightning's second-leading scorer this postseason, a key cog on its best line, the "Triplets." With Kucherov out Saturday, C Steven Stamkos and rookie LW Jonathan Drouin each took shifts with C Tyler Johnson and LW Ondrej Palat.
Cooper also said goalie Ben Bishop came out of Saturday's game feeling much better, so it looks like he'll likely start Monday.
[Last modified: Sunday, June 14, 2015 6:58pm]