The New York Islanders defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 in overtime on Wednesday night to force a Game 7 against the Lightning. The victory wasn't without controversy, though, as the Lightning were forced to play without playoff points leader Nikita Kucherov due to an injury suffered in the first period. With less than two minutes left in the first period, Kucherov was crosschecked in the ribs by Isles defenseman Scott Mayfield. Despite the fact that the play was immediately in front of the referee, no call was made.
According to Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos, he was told by the referees that Mayfield's crosscheck was not considered "malicious" and that's why there was no call on the play. Stamkos clearly disagreed.
Cooper added he had no idea if Kucherov would be available for the seventh and deciding game Friday night, although he must have been in a considerable amount of pain to miss an important game like the one Wednesday night. If Kucherov cannot play, that will be a huge loss for the Lightning. He has 27 points in the playoffs so far.
