Tampa Bay Lightning star Nikita Kucherov was forced to leave midway through the third period of Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals with an apparent lower-body injury.
Kucherov made awkward contact with Capitals forward Garnet Hathaway and appeared to be in pain.
This does not look good 🥺@TBLightning's Nikita Kucherov leaves the game. pic.twitter.com/O6vhhXlVS2
— Bally Sports Florida & Bally Sports Sun (@BallySportsFL) October 17, 2021
After the game, Bolts captain Steven Stamkos expressed his concern about the potential injury, saying it "didn't look good," according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.
"We're praying he's OK," Stamkos added.
Tampa Bay head coach John Cooper didn't offer much of an update, but he said there was no need to hit the "panic button" yet.
"I have no way to answer what's going on with him. He'll be evaluated when we get back. He's a tough kid, so hopefully this isn't too bad. But again it's way too early to tell what's wrong," Cooper said, per NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.
The Lightning won the contest 2-1 thanks to Stamkos' heroics in overtime.
Kucherov has four points in three games so far this season.
