Nikita Kucherov dirty hit led to the Avalanche retaliating (Video)
The Tampa Bay Lightning were upset by the play that ultimately ended Nikita Kucherov's night. The Lightning tried to claim that the Avalanche player should face supplemental discipline on the play. But this video shows that Kucherov shouldn't have even been on the ice for that play.
As Josh Manson attempts to retreive the puck he is followed into the corner by Kucherov. As Manson plays the puck Kucherov makes direct contact with the numbers driving Manson into the boards.
While Manson does shoulder some blame for trying to reverse the puck, it's clear that Kucherov delivered an illegal hit. The referee chose not to call the hit, which ultimately led to the retaliation. Had the penalty been called Kucherov would have been in the penalty box when the injury ultimately occured.
Game 4 goes tonight in Tampa Bay.
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