Nikita Kucherov may face suspension for vicious hit on Kaiden Guhle

In a bloody scene at tonight's game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens, Nikita Kucherov bloodied Kaiden Guhle.

While the play was not called on the ice, it was very clear that this was an illegal boarding hit, right into the numbers. Knowing that the department of player safety has been cracking down on violent hits like this, it is very likely Nikita Kucherov will be suspended.

Nikita Kucherov likely to be suspended for hit on Kaiden Guhle

One of the three players in the battle for the Art Ross trophy this season, it will come down to the last game for Kucherov, Nathan Mackinnon, and Connor McDavid. If Kucherov is to be suspended, he will likely have screwed himself out of the Art Ross.


The hit left Kaiden Guhle bleeding from the mouth, in terrible shape. The young defenseman has emerged as a great player this season, as he has faced some of the toughest competition in the NHL with ease.

We will see what the Department of Player Safety chooses to do with this case.