Will Nikita Kucherov be the next NHL player to hit 1,000 career points? While Nikita Kucherov [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/latest-news/lightning-superstar-ruled-out-for-sharks-matchup]and Mitchell Chaffee both are not returning to the lineup for the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/] against the San Jose Sharks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/san-jose-sharks/], another one of their important forwards will be playing. Lightning head coach Jon Cooper confirmed that Nick Paul will be in the lineup against the Sharks. Paul, 29, has not played since the Lightning's Nov. 19 contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to injury and missed each of Tampa Bay's last six games. However, he has now been given the green light to return, which is excellent for the Bolts. Nick Paul [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA4NTAxNTUzOTExMzA5NDg1/usatsi_18272127.jpg] Nick Paul Before getting injured, Paul was off to an excellent start this season, posting five goals and 13 points in 17 games. He will now look to stay hot in his return against the Sharks from here.
