Report: Player isn't going to “cry” after falling victim to a HUGE hit.

Nikita Kucherov isn't making any excuses. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward has apparently already turned the page on the massive hit he took from Detroit Red Wings defenseman Niklas Kronwall in Monday's Game 6 matchup between the two clubs. Kucherov had picked the puck up in his own zone and was in the process of passing the puck through the middle of the ice when Kronwall stepped into him with a check he never saw coming. Kucherov left the ice and went to the locker room for evaluation and was able to return for the third period, while there's some question as to the legality of the hit. The NHL's Department of Player Safety is already taking a close look at the hit and a ruling is expected shortly. For his part, Kucherov attempted to kill the controversy after the game. “He made a hit. I’m not going to cry now,” Kucherov said. “It’s a part of the game. That’s why we play here.” His teammate Brian Boyle backed up Kronwall in a way, noting that he’s an “honest player.” It's refreshing to see a player who can take a hit and get back up without fanning the flames of controversy. The legality of the hit will be judged by the people hired to do so, without outside opinions interfering. As it should be. Here is the hit in question, you be the judge: