With Radko Gudas and Ryan Malone questionable for tomorrow night’s game against the New York Rangers, the Lightning has recalled forward Nikita Kucherov.
Gudas was injured in Friday’s game in a first-period fight with Ducks’ Luca Sbisa. Malone was hurt blocking a shot.
Earlier in the day, Kucherov’s brother tweeted this:
I have some insight info. Just got a call from my brother, he’s going to Tampa today. #callup #kucherov #nhl #tampa
— Denis Kucherov (@Demonwill) November 24, 2013
A few weeks ago, Lightning GM Steve Yzerman took note of Kucherov’s fast start in the AHL and said if a call up was needed, he’d be up, “sooner rather than later.”
(Photo/Susan Ferlita)
The 20 year old, Malkop, Russia native has amassed 13 goals and 24 points in 17 games with the Syracuse Crunch in this, his first professional season. While Yzerman may have wanted to remain patient, injuries and Kucherov’s gaudy numbers couldn’t be ignored.
Also joining Kucherov is 24 year old defenseman and fellow Russian Dmitry Korobov. The large
blueliner made his NHL debut last Tuesday against the Los Angeles Kings. He played 13:21 and registered a big hit on Dustin Brown.
Korobov was one of Jon Cooper’s top defenders in Syracuse last season, and the Lightning head coach shared kind words with the Tampa Tribune:
“Experience is the only thing that he is going to need. Eventually at some point he’s going to end up. If he continues his development, he’s going to end up taking somebody’s (roster) spot.”
Through 13 games with the Crunch, Korobov had six assists and a +7 rating. He clearly impressed enough in his debut to warrant a longer look
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