The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without their top player, Nikita Kucherov, against the San Jose Sharks tonight.

The Tampa Bay Lightning will be without their top player, Nikita Kucherov, against the San Jose Sharks tonight.

Kucherov hasn't played since Nov. 29 against the Nashville Predators and has only missed one game, which was played on Nov. 30. The perennial MVP candidate has 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists) in 22 games played this season. 

As for the Sharks lineup, Vitek Vanecek will start in goal, and Henry Thrun will be a healthy scratch in favor of Jack Thompson. 

Macklin Celebrini is on a five-game point streak and has eight points (4 goals, 4 assists). 

Make sure you bookmark THN's San Jose Sharks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

Sharks' Macklin Celebrini Is Using The Same Tactics As Connor McDavid To Create Offense

Sharks Alternate Captain Headlines Finland's 4 Nations Roster

BREAKING: Sharks Winger Misses Out On 4 Nations Roster Spot Despite Previous Report

Eklund Scores OT Winner; Sharks Beat Capitals 2-1 For Third Straight Win

REPORT: Surging Sharks Forward To Make Sweden's Four Nations Roster

• undefined