Key Highlights
- Brayden Point returns for Tampa Bay Lightning against Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Vasilevskiy placed on injured reserve; Kucherov to return from absence.
- Logan Cooley out indefinitely for Utah Mammoth; Elias Pettersson missing game with injury.
Tampa Bay Lightning Set to Benefit from Brayden Point’s Return
The Tampa Bay Lightning are set to welcome back forward Brayden Point against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday, December 10. Point has missed seven games due to an undisclosed injury and is expected to contribute significantly to the team’s lineup.
Point’s Impact and Coach’s Perspective
“That’s a bonus for us,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “I’ve really liked our game, I’ve liked the way we’ve played … every team gets injuries, and I don’t remember, though, for us personally, even through our Cup runs and all that, not since 2017 has this happened to us.” Point’s return will be crucial in supporting the Lightning’s offensive efforts.
Goalie Situation: Vasilevskiy’s Absence
Tampa Bay’s No. 1 goalie, Andrei Vasilevskiy, is unavailable for the upcoming game against Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday due to an undisclosed injury. Vasilevskiy has missed two games and will not participate in the match.
Vasilevskiy’s Statistics and Team Impact
Vasilevskiy’s absence comes at a crucial time, as he has been performing well with 11 wins, six losses, one tie, a 2.31 goals-against average, and a .917 save percentage in 19 starts.
Utah Mammoth’s Logan Cooley Out Indefinitely
For the Utah Mammoth, forward Logan Cooley is out indefinitely due to a lower-body injury. This news comes before their game against the Los Angeles Kings on December 10 at 9 p.m. ET.
Cooley’s Performance and Coach’s Thoughts
“Unfortunately, he’ll be missing some time,” said Utah coach Andre Tourigny. “With that said, I think every team is going through adversity and it’s an opportunity for someone else to step in.” Cooley has been a key player with 23 points (14 goals, nine assists) in 29 games.
Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson Missing Game
The Vancouver Canucks are facing an injury concern as forward Elias Pettersson will not play against the Detroit Red Wings on December 10. The Canucks are evaluating his upper-body injury, which surfaced during their morning skate.
Coach’s Update and Pettersson’s Performance
“We’re waiting for some news,” said Vancouver coach Adam Foote. “So we should know tonight or tomorrow morning.” Pettersson has contributed significantly with 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 28 games.
The NHL continues to manage a series of injuries and absences that impact teams across the league. These developments highlight the challenges faced by coaches and players as they navigate the season.