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Nikita Kucherov exits Lightning's game vs. Canadiens after first period spill (Video)

Kucherov screen shot
Kucherov screen shot

Tampa Bay Lightning scoring winger Nikita Kucherov took a spill on the ice in the first period of his game against the Montreal Canadiens and did not return to action to start the second period or the third period.

Kucherov turned to his right in order to make a play up ice and then lost an edge in front of his team’s bench. His left shoulder appeared to take the brunt of the collision.

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“Hopefully it won’t be too long but he definitely couldn’t finish the game,” coach Jon Cooper told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. “Got hit the wrong way.”

According to Smith, Kucherov was outside the locker room after the game without any noticeable braces.

On the bench he appeared to be in some pain but returned to action to finish out the period. When the second period started, Kucherov was not on the bench for the Lightning.

Losing Kucherov could be a big blow for the Lightning and their top line with Steven Stamkos and Vladislav Namestnikov. The trio combined for 10 points in their 7-3 drubbing of the Toronto Maple Leafs last Tuesday.

Kucherov came into the game ranking second on the team with seven points in six games played. His six assists led the Lightning.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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