Lightning’s Kucherov returns to lineup for Game 6 of Stanley Cup final

CHICAGO – Nikita Kucherov is in the Tampa Bay Lightning lineup for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup final against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Kucherov left early in Game 5 on Saturday after crashing into the post.

Earlier in the day, coach Jon Cooper deemed him “probable” to play.

Kucherov took part in the morning skate at United Center and appeared to be OK.

“I’m going to take warm-up and then it’s up to coach if I play or not,” the Russian forward said.

Kucherov is the Lightning’s second-leading scorer in the playoffs with 10 goals and 12 assists.

“He’s a great player, he’s been awesome for us all year, especially during playoffs here,” linemate Tyler Johnson said. “I love playing with the kid. He’s a competitor, he’s awesome. He’s a guy that you definitely want in this situation.”

Seeing Kucherov back on the ice was good for the Lightning after how bad his collision with the post Saturday night looked.

When Kucherov left Game 5, Cooper rotated captain Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Drouin on wing with Johnson and Ondrej Palat.

“They’re two different players, two different mentalities in the way they play, so you kind of have to figure that out,” Johnson said of Kucherov and Stamkos. “The good things for us is they’re both great players and both easy to play with. There’s just little things here and there you have to adjust to.”

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