Breaking: Nikita Kucherov helped off the ice after slash to his knee from Anthony Duclair

The Battle of Florida between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers has been very physical. On Saturday afternoon, for game 4, the battle turned ugly as Anthony Duclair slashed Nikita Kucherov away from the puck.

Nikita Kucherov in pain after a slash... 😞 #FLAvsTBL #NHLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8tbVqySqJ2
— Bally Sports Sun: Lightning (@BallyLightning) May 22, 2021

After the slash to his leg by Duclair, Kucherov needed to be helped off the ice and he did not return for the rest of the third period. The Lightning won the game 6 - 2 and Kucherov was the first star of the game with four points.

Another noteworthy play in the game was when Mackenzie Weegar hit Nikita Kucherov into goaltender, Chris Driedger.

Kucherov's called for goaltender interference, Driedger stays in net after this collision. pic.twitter.com/P8oYj6wPC0
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 22, 2021

Kucherov was assessed a 2-minute penalty on the play for goaltender inferference. The Lightning were upset with the call because they felt Kucherov was pushed into Driedger.