Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli has played a critical role these playoffs for the defending champions. He consistently plays the role of shut down centerman against the opposing team's best line. He has already scored early in Game 4 to make and impact.
Late in the second period of Game 4 between the Lightning and the Avalanche, Cirelli took a spill in his own zone and landed awkwardly on teammate Alex Killorn's skate.
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Speculation at this point leads us to believe he was cut on the play. He immediately left the game and went back to the locker room for treatment.
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Losing Cirelli would be a big deal for the Bolts. It would shift much more defensive responsibility onto the shoulders of forwards such as Nick Paul (who may also be playing injured), Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, or Ross Colton. Obviously, these guys are solid NHL-ers, but are not quite in the Selke conversation like Cirelli.
