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] have confirmed that superstar forward Nikita Kucherov will be back in the lineup against the Vancouver Canucks [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/vancouver-canucks/] today (Dec. 8). Kucherov, 31, last played on Nov. 29 against the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators/]. Now, after missing two games, Kucherov is ready to go and will look to help the Bolts secure a win against the Canucks. Nikita Kucherov [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwMTQ3NDE2MjQ5MjE0MzMw/usatsi_24533603.jpg] Nikita Kucherov Kucherov has appeared in 22 games this season with the Lightning, where he has 12 goals, 34 points, and a plus-5 rating.