Lightning star Nikita Kucherov leaves Game 6 in 1st period, did not return
Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov left Game 6 against the New York Islanders with an apparent injury after an awkward first-period collision with Mat Barzal.
Kucherov, who leads all scorers with 27 points this postseason, tried to finish a check against Barzal, missed him, and went into the boards.
The former Hart Trophy winner went to the locker room and missed the remainder of the opening frame.
Here is the play in question:
Nikita Kucherov to the locker room pic.twitter.com/nrveTZbvfP
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) June 24, 2021
Earlier in the shift, Kucherov was checked by New York's Scott Mayfield and was slow to get up.
Kucherov missed the entire regular season after undergoing hip surgery in December, and was activated off long-term injured reserve in time for the playoffs. He's made an immeasurable difference for the defending champions, with a nine-point lead over the NHL's second-leading scorer, Brayden Point, prior to Wednesday's Game 6.
Lightning head coach Jon Cooper tersely provided no update on Kucherov's status post-game.
Steven Stamkos on playing the majority of Game 6 without Nikita Kucherov: "It sucks to lose Kuch like that early in the game, but guys battled." #Bolts #TBLvsNYI
— Bryan Burns (@BBurnsNHL) June 24, 2021
Lightning captain Steven Stamkos was less than pleased after the 3-2 overtime loss Wednesday.
Steven Stamkos, on the Mayfield cross-check to Kucherov: "It's probably a guy looking for a little cheap shot there."
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 24, 2021
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