Kucherov, Stamkos will play Game 1 vs. Panthers

Tampa Bay Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos will be in the lineup for Game 1 against the Florida Panthers on Sunday, head coach Jon Cooper said, per The Athletic's Joe Smith.

Kucherov and Stamkos haven't started and completed a full game together since Feb. 22, 2020, against the Arizona Coyotes.

Kucherov missed the entire 2020-21 season after undergoing hip surgery. The 2018-19 Hart Trophy winner led the playoffs in scoring last year with 34 points during Tampa Bay's Stanley Cup run.

Stamkos has been out since April 8 due to a lower-body injury. The Lightning were initially optimistic he'd return when he was eligible to come off long-term injured reserve May 1.

The captain played just 2:47 during the 2020 playoffs due to a lower-body ailment.

Stamkos recorded 17 goals and 34 points in 38 games this season.

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