Lightning hopeful Kucherov can return for Game 4, Point doubtful

Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said he's hopeful star forward Nikita Kucherov can return for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

"I never count that kid out," Cooper told reporters Tuesday, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.

Kucherov was forced to exit late in Game 3 shortly after getting cross-checked by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews.

Cooper was less optimistic about Brayden Point's status for Game 4, labeling the clutch performer as "highly doubtful," per The Hockey News' Mike Stephens. Point is considered day-to-day for the remainder of the series.

Point didn't play in Game 3 after suiting up for the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. He missed the Lightning's series against the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers after suffering a lower-body injury in Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Kucherov leads the Bolts with 26 points in 20 playoff games, while Point chipped in with two goals and three assists in nine contests.

Toews won't receive supplemental discipline for the hit on Kucherov, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith. Upon review, the NHL Department of Player Safety determined the officials properly penalized Toews.

The Lightning took Game 3 to get on the board in the series. Game 4 is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.

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