Tensions flared early in the playoff series opener between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers, with Vladimir Tarasenko delivering a thunderous hit on Nikita Kucherov. It was clear from the get-go that these two teams have a heated rivalry.
During the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Kucherov was navigating across Florida's blue line when he bumped into a Panthers player, causing him to lose control of the puck. Searching for the puck, Kucherov was caught off-guard by Tarasenko, who levelled him with a forceful check, knocking him to the ice and leaving him slow to rise.
The hit, which appeared to go unnoticed by the referees, led to Kucherov arguing for an interference call. Despite his protests, the officials did not respond, leaving him to regroup and rejoin the play. Kucherov's contention seemed justified, but with no call made, he had no choice but to shake it off and continue the game.
