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Nikita Kucherov leaves game with injury after blocking slap shot

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 12: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gets ready for the game against the Boston Bruins at Amalie Arena on December 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 12: Nikita Kucherov #86 of the Tampa Bay Lightning gets ready for the game against the Boston Bruins at Amalie Arena on December 12, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Scott Audette/NHLI via Getty Images)

Just when the Tampa Bay Lightning were picking up some momentum.

Nikita Kucherov left Saturday night’s game against the Washington Capitals in the second period after blocking a shot from John Carlson and did not return.

Last season’s Hart Trophy winner hasn’t been scoring at the same clip as last year, but he’s still leading the Lightning with 33 points. Tampa has climbed to fourth place in the Atlantic division with the least amount of games played in the league with 30.

Kucherov’s injury was not disclosed. Tampa hits the ice next against Ottawa on Tuesday night.

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