Lightning's Nikita Kucherov: Won't play Thursday

Kucherov is a late scratch for Thursday's game against Los Angeles because of an illness.

Kucherov has 13 goals and 42 points in 30 outings this season. His illness brings Tampa Bay down to 11 healthy forwards and six healthy defensemen, so it appears the Lightning will play one skater short. Kucherov's absence might also result in Pontus Holmberg serving in a top-six capacity against the Kings.