Tampa Bay Lightning pull Nikita Kucherov from their lineup moments before puck drop: A statement's been issued
Photo credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
The Tampa Bay Lightning made an unexpected announcement ahead of tonight's match against the Detroit Red Wings in Little Caesars Arena.
Before puck drop tonight, the Tampa Bay Lightning made the inevitable decision to take juggernaut forward Nikita Kucherov out of the lineup.
The decision wasn't taken lightly, as Kucherov was listed out due to illness, without a timeline for return.
Needless to say, this has put them shorthanded against their Atlantic Division rivals, the Detroit Red Wings.
The Red Wings have been controlling the game all night, and without their superstar forward, the responsibility of keeping the team's competitive edge alive falls on Brayden Point, Jake Guentzel, and Brandon Hagel.
By all means, not a bad core of players at all, but they don't have the scoring touch of Kucherov.
The Detroit Red Wings take on the Tampa Bay Lightning without #1 forward.
The Detroit Red Wings are at an advantage after the Tampa Bay Lightning announced Kucherov's absence.
At this point in the game, the team is up 1-0.
McLellan's Wings have found a way to get on the board, with rookie Axel Sandin-Pellika's 1st NHL goal being scored tonight.
Kucherov last played for the Tampa Bay Lightning this week, when the former Ted Lindsay Award and Art Ross Trophy winner scored 1 point (1A) against the Washington Capitals in a 3-2 loss.
The Lightning's star is waning, as it seems that after 2022, the team has never recovered the greatness we saw from 2020 on.
The Red Wings are holding tight with John Gibson in the net tonight.
The Red Wings remain without Lucas Raymond in the lineup, too, as the situation is eerily familiar between the two teams.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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