Important update on Nikita Kucherov's dirty and illegal hit

PUBLICATION

Mackenzie Stern-Kolesnikow
April 5, 2024 (2:52 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Last night, Nikita Kucherov got away with an illegal hit from behind against Kaiden Guhle, fans finally know if he will face additional punishment from the department of player safety.

Kucherov, the current leader for the most points in the NHL, got an additional three points during last night's 7-4 win against the Montreal Canadiens. He was also sent Guhle off the ice prematurely after a dirty hit.

Check out the replay of the hit:

The replay shows that Kucherov did not make any contact with Guhle's head, which explains why Kucherov was not immediately ejected by the officials. Eric Engels questioned why Kucherov was not penalized for the obvious boarding penalty:

"I mean, it's not like Guhle turned at the last second there. He was facing the glass the whole way. In fact, it's when he was turning to get back to sideways that Kucherov turned him back towards the glass and finished his hit. That's boarding..."

Engels recently tweeted that he was not expecting any additional punishment for Kucherov:

"Not expecting any supplementary discipline for Nikita Kucherov."

The Canadiens needed Guhle's defensive skills to help them against the strong players they faced, Guhle's injury most likely contributed to the team's devastating defeat.

Stay tuned for more information.

Source -Markerzone: Nikita Kucherov's fate confirmed after bloody hit last night