Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov‘s injury is “not a day-to-day thing,” according to Jon Cooper, though the head coach stopped short of expanding further on how long the 2019 Hart Trophy winner could be sidelined.
During the third period of Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals, Kucherov suffered what appeared to be a groin injury, doubling over in pain after a minor collision with Garnet Hathaway. He exited the ice and did not return.
Kucherov is expected to undergo further testing, after which a clearer picture should emerge about the severity of his injury.
The 28-year-old missed the entire 2021 regular season after having hip surgery but would return for the playoffs. Kucherov would go on to record eight goals and 32 points in 23 games to lead the Lightning to a second straight Stanley Cup.
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