Lightning's Nikita Kucherov To Miss Time Again

The Tampa Bay Lightning have placed forward Nikita Kucherov in COVID-19 protocol.

Kucherov has missed the vast majority of the season, so it's hard to hear that he has to sit out again. Thankfully, this time it is for a shorter period and isn't injury-related.

In just 11 games this season, Kucherov has five goals to go along with 12 assists. When he's been healthy, he once has again has been nothing short of fantastic. Since returning from his long-term injury on January 6th, he has 13 points in eight games. However, his dominance will now have to be put on pause again.

At this point of the season, the Lightning are tied for first in the Atlantic Division with the Florida Panthers. Therefore, they certainly are hoping to continue their strong stretch of play to help their chances of winning the division. Over their next three games, they play the New Jersey Devils, Vegas Golden Knights, and San Jose Sharks. They will be hoping for Kucherov to return by their contest against Vegas especially.