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Nikita Kucherov won’t play vs. Devils

Tampa Bay Lightning v New York Islanders - Game Three

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 03: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the New York Islanders in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Second Round during the 2016 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Barclays Center on May 03, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Lightning defeated the Islanders 5-4 in overtime. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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Even though Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov was on the ice for a workout following the team’s morning skate on Saturday, he remains sidelined with an upper body injury and will definitely be out of the lineup on Saturday night when the team plays the New Jersey Devils.

Kucherov was injured earlier this week when he took an awkward fall into the boards against the Montreal Canadiens and had to leave the game.

Coach Jon Cooper said on Saturday morning before the game that he hopes that it is only a one game or “couple of games” injury for his star forward. With Kucherov out of the lineup for the time being the team recalled forward Cory Conacher on Friday.

The 23-year-old winger was Tampa Bay’s leading scorer a year ago with 66 points and just signed a three-year contract extension with the team before the season as a restricted free agent. He only has one goal in his first seven games this season but has also added six assists.