Bolts' Kucherov departs Game 3 win early

Tampa Bay Lightning star forward Nikita Kucherov left Monday's Game 3 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in the third period with an apparent injury and did not return.

The 29-year-old appeared to be in discomfort after taking a cross check from Avs defenceman Devon Toews in the third period. Toews was assessed a two-minute minor on the play and while Kucherov stayed out on the ensuing power play, he departed to the dressing room afterward.

“It’s a dangerous play. We’ll see if anything happens. Probably not," Bolts defenceman Victor Hedman said of the hit.

Kucherov tallied two assists and was a plus-three in 17:46 of ice time before departing in the Lightnings' eventual 6-2 win to cut the Colorado Stanley Cup series lead to 2-1. That gives the Maykop, Russia native 26 points (nine goals, 17 assists) through 20 playoffs games this postseason.

Game 4 will go Wednesday evening from Amalie Arena in Tampa before shifting back to the Mile High City Friday night.