Kucherov underwent an unspecified procedure on Wednesday and will miss at least two months. This is obviously a massive blow for the Lightning, but we saw what they were capable of doing without him last season. The good news here is that Kucherov will not miss the rest of the season, so expect to get him back by mid-January at the latest.
Kucherov suffered a lower-body injury on Saturday and is expected to "miss some time." The Lightning have not provided much detail on Kucherov's injury but the move to LTIR means he'll miss at least 10 games or 24 days.
Kucherov left Saturday's game with a lower-body injury and appeared to be in significant discomfort. Head coach Jon Cooper said that Kucherov is still being evaluated but that it's more than a "day-to-day thing" and added that he's going to "miss some time." With Kucherov not available for Monday's practice, Ondrej Palat moved to PP1 and Corey Perry moved up to the top line.
Guentzel missed the season opener due to COVID-19 protocol but will play Thursday in Florida. Guentzel will play on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust as well as PP1. Guentzel has averaged 39 goals and 43 assists (82 points) per 82 games over the last three seasons.
Guentzel cleared COVID-19 protocol and was on the ice for Wednesday's practice, presumable clearing the way for him to play on Thursday. If Guentzel plays, he will skate on the top line with Jeff Carter and Bryan Rust and return to his role on PP1.
Vasilevskiy led the NHL in wins for the fourth consecutive year in 2021, going 31-10-1 with a 2.21 GAA and .925 SV%. Vasilevsksiy has been in the top-3 in Vezina voting in four straight seasons and starts with a nice matchup tonight--Pittsburgh will be without Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jake Guentzel in their season opener.
Guentzel missed a big chunk of the preseason following a positive COVID-19 diagnosis, so he will be held out of the opener in Tampa. However, Guentzel did make the trip and will be re-evaluated ahead of Thursday's game against the Panthers.
Brown was selected No.11 overall in 2016 but had a hard time gaining footing at the NHL-level. Since turning pro in 2019, Brown has scored just one goal and eight assists (nine points) in 30 games with the Senators. Brown will fight for a roster spot at the bottom of the Blues roster but will likely find himself on the outside looking in and start in the AHL.
Brown was selected No.11 overall in 2016 but has had a difficult time landing a full-time gig in the NHL to date. Brown spent most of the last three seasons in the AHL, where he has compiled 23 goals and 56 assists (79 points) in 94 games. With the Senators, he has one goal and eight assists in 30 games and should be on their opening night roster in October.
