Lightning star Nikita Kucherov returns after hard collision vs. Jets
Jan 26, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) looks on against the Utah Mammoth during the third period at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Tampa Bay's high-scoring right winger Nikita Kucherov left the Lightning's home game Thursday night against the Winnipeg Jets after a hard collision in the first period, but he was able to return to start the second.
Past the 10-minute mark with the puck in the Lightning offensive zone and the game scoreless, Kucherov and 6-foot-7 defenseman Logan Stanley collided as neither player was watching the play.
In visible pain, the high-scoring Kucherov got to his feet after a couple of minutes and skated off the ice, grimacing in pain and eventually heading to the dressing room.
A three-time Art Ross Trophy winner and 2019 Hart Memorial Trophy recipient, Kucherov ranks third in the league in scoring with 80 points, trailing Edmonton's Connor McDavid and Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon.
Kucherov entered the game with a six-game point streak (three goals, 10 assists).
Tampa Bay led 1-0 after one period.
--Field Level Media
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