Video: Huge Crosscheck Injures Lightning's Kucherov

Game 6 between the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning was a nasty affair and Nikita Kucherov would be the first to tell you so. The Lightning's leading scorer was hammered with a cross-check to one part of the body that doesn't have any padding in the first period and he did not return.

Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield was the guilty party, but actually he ended up being innocent because shocker, the ref who was right beside the play didn't see it. Kudos to Lightning head coach Jon Copper for keeping his lips sealed after the game and saving himself a few bucks.

Here's the play, you be the judge. Dirty play or just the playoffs?

Photo credit:  Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports