Kucherov departs Game 3 after suffering apparent injury

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov exited Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final late in the third period after suffering an apparent injury.

Kucherov seemed to be in discomfort after getting cross-checked by Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews.

Kucherov initially stayed on the ice for the power play but went to the dressing room after taking a one-timer.

Toews, who's never been suspended in his four-year NHL career, won't receive supplemental discipline for the incident, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith. The NHL's Department of Player Safety reviewed the play but felt the officials properly penalized Toews.

Lightning head coach Jon Cooper offered no injury update postgame.

"It's a contact game, but guys know what they're doing," Cooper told reporters. "Smart, savvy players know what they're doing with their stick. We all saw it."

Defenseman Victor Hedman didn't mince words regarding the incident.

"It's a dangerous play," Hedman said, according to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "We'll see if anything happens. Probably not."

The Lightning are already without Brayden Point, so an injury to Kucherov would be a massive blow to their chances of winning a third straight Stanley Cup.

Kucherov recorded a pair of assists Monday, becoming the fourth player in NHL history to rack up at least 25 points in three consecutive postseasons.

Tampa Bay won the game 6-2 to cut Colorado's series lead to 2-1.