Nikita Kucherov leaves game with injury after blocking slap shot

ailish forfar

NHL Editor

Sat, Dec 14, 2019, 9:46 p.m.

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 12: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gets ready for the game against the Boston Bruins at Amalie Arena on December 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Just when the Tampa Bay Lightning were picking up some momentum.

Nikita Kucherov left Saturday night’s game against the Washington Capitals in the second period after blocking a shot from John Carlson and did not return.

Kucherov heads to the locker room after taking a Carlson shot off the leg pic.twitter.com/atWJDaomZf
— NBC Sports Capitals (@NBCSCapitals) December 15, 2019

Last season’s Hart Trophy winner hasn’t been scoring at the same clip as last year, but he’s still leading the Lightning with 33 points. Tampa has climbed to fourth place in the Atlantic division with the least amount of games played in the league with 30.

Kucherov’s injury was not disclosed. Tampa hits the ice next against Ottawa on Tuesday night.

Injury update: After leaving during the second period, Nikita Kucherov will not return to tonight’s game. #WSHvsTBL
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) December 15, 2019

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