NHL Status Report: Nichushkin to return for Avalanche against Ducks

Tampa Bay Lightning

Defensemen Victor Hedman (elbow), Ryan McDonagh (lower body) and Emil Lilleberg (undisclosed) are back skating, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said before their 4-1 win against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. “That’s definitely a good sign,” Cooper said. Hedman, their captain, has not played since Dec. 9. He has 12 assists in 18 games and is averaging 21:05 of ice time. He is expected to play for Sweden at the Olympics. McDonagh, who has eight points (four goals, four assists) in 18 games, has not played since Dec. 22. Lilleberg, who has been out since Dec. 13, has six points (two goals, four assists) in 32 games.