Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? The Tampa Bay Lightning [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-superstar-is-scoring-at-incredible-pace] picked up an impressive 4-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/] on Sunday (Dec. 8). While the Lightning secured two points, it was not a perfect day for the club. Both Anthony Cirelli [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-star-is-hitting-brand-new-level] and Erik Cernak left the game early after suffering apparent injuries. Cirelli left the contest during the first period after being on the receiving end of a hard hit. He did not return for either the second or third period. Anthony Cirelli [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMjY1NzQwMTAyMTgyODcx/usatsi_24946183.jpg] Anthony Cirelli Cirelli, 27, has appeared in 25 games this season, where he has 11 goals, 24 points, and a plus-14 rating. Cernak, on the other hand, left the contest after only playing one shift during the third period. Cernak has seven assists, 32 blocks, 47 hits, and a plus-9 rating in 24 games this season with the Lightning. Erik Cernak [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExMjY1NzcwNDM1Mzg5Mzk5/usatsi_24944324.jpg] Erik Cernak Following the game, Lightning bench boss Jon Cooper shared that he did not have an update on either player yet but should know more tomorrow (Dec. 9). With both players being such important pieces of the Lightning's roster, they will be hoping that neither player has suffered anything significant.
