The Columbus Blue Jackets are leading the series 3-0 over the Tampa Bay Lightning, and star player Nikita Kucherov isn't happy about it.
Another thing that makes him mad is the fact that he was suspended for Game 3 for his questionable actions in the second contest of the series. With 4:26 remaining in Friday night's 5-1 home loss in Game 2, Kucherov tripped Marcus Nutivaara, who slid into the boards. As the Blue Jackets defenseman tried to get back on his feet, Kucherov hit his head into the boards again.
The Lightning forward, who led the NHL with 128 points during the regular season, was assessed a minor tripping penalty, a major for boarding and a game misconduct.
Now that he is back tonight to prevent his team from being swept in the first round when everyone expected them to reach the Stanley Cup finals, Kucherov commented on his suspension and did not hold back when came time to blame the Blue Jackets for it.
“It didn’t feel good just to watch the game. I want to be with the guys, in the room with the guys, feel the game and play the game, but [stuff] happens. I was put in position to miss the game. Right now, I want to go out there and play.”
He should be careful...
The Jackets will want to win this one in front of their fans tonight and these comments might fuel them even more.
