Lightning's Nikita Kucherov in, Brayden Point out for Game 4

Field Level Media
23 Jun 2022, 01:55 GMT+10

Forward Nikita Kucherov will be in the lineup Wednesday night when the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Colorado Avalanche in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Coach Jon Cooper confirmed Wednesday morning that the Lightning will use the same lineup as in Game 3.

Brayden Point, who did not play in Tampa Bay's 6-2 win in Game 3 on Monday, will sit out Game 4 as well.

"I haven't ruled him out for the series, but he's out for tonight," Cooper said of Point.

Forward Nick Paul will remain in the lineup for the Lightning, who trail 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

Kucherov, 29, exited Monday's game with 6:05 remaining in the third period after falling awkwardly following a penalized crosscheck from Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews.

Kucherov was headed toward the boards when Toews hit him, and his left leg buckled. The former Hart Trophy recipient attempted to take part in the ensuing five-on-three power play but left the ice in discomfort.

He collected two assists in the game, giving him 25 points in each of the Lightning's three consecutive Stanley Cup years. He is the fourth player in league history with three straight 25-point postseasons, joining Bryan Trottier (1980-82), Mike Bossy (1981-83) and Wayne Gretzky (1983-85).

Point sustained a lower-body injury on May 14 in Game 7 of the first-round series against the Toronto Maple Leafs. He missed the team's next 10 games before returning for the series opener against the Avalanche.

Point, 26, has two goals and three assists in nine playoff games.

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Colorado Star.

More Information

64 ℉

Mostly Cloudy in Aurora/Buckley Afb

International Business

Section

Chip shortage causes GM to store 95,000 incomplete cars

DETROIT, Michigan, global shortage of computer chips, vehicles, Detroit automaker, General Motors, GM's total salesDETROIT, Michigan: The global shortage of ...