Lightning to get huge boost to their lineup on Thursday night

The Tampa Bay Lightning are about to get a massive boost to their lineup on Thursday night when they host the Calgary Flames. After missing the last 32 games with a lower-body injury that required surgery, Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov is back according to head coach Jon Cooper.

"I expect him to play," Cooper said. "He's ready to go."

Kucherov, 28, has been out since mid-October and had surgery on October 26th for an unspecified lower-body injury. In three games this season, the Maykop, Russia native has four points (one goal, three assists).

To make room for Kucherov on the active roster, the Lightning placed forward Riley Nash on waivers yesterday. There should be news regarding if he clears or not shortly after 2pm ET.

Jon Cooper also announced this morning that captain Steven Stamkos is a game-time decision for tonight's tilt vs Calgary. The 31-year-old had a body maintenance day on Thursday, Cooper added.

Puck drop between Tampa Bay and Calgary at Amalie Arena is set for 7pm ET.

UPDATE: Nikita Kucherov is back tonight for #tblightning, per Jon Cooper. Hasn't played since Game 3 vs #Caps and lower body surgery. "I expect him to play," Cooper said. "He's ready to go."— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) January 6, 2022

Cooper also said Steven Stamkos is a game-time decision. #GoBolts #CGYvsTBL— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) January 6, 2022

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