Brayden Point left the second period of the Tampa Bay Lightning versus New York Islanders Game 2 Eastern Conference Finals playoff match-up with potential injury. It’s not clear as to exactly what happened or when the injury took place.
The forward may have been injured in the first period, and returned to played two shifts in the second. It was clear something wasn’t right because he was seen talking to the coaching and medical staff for some time, then was not on the ice for the third.
Tampa was able to pull out a 2-1 victory, thanks to a goal by Nikita Kucherov. They now lead in the best-of-7 series 2-0. Still, the talk of the game surrounds the hero of Game 1 and whether or not Point will be out any time.
After the game, no updates were available. Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said, “I don’t have an update on him yet, but we all know the character of that kid and what a competitive gamer he is, so for him not to come back, I know it was tough on him and clearly it was tough on us as well.” He added, “So maybe tomorrow I’ll have a little bit more for you, but he couldn’t come back tonight.”
There was a moment in the first period, with just seven seconds remaining, that Point lost his helmet after he fell awkwardly into the left-wing boards. Some believe that may be where the injury occurred.
Tampa Can’t Afford to Lose Point
If Point is out, this is a huge loss for the Lightning who are already playing without Steven Stamkos. Point led the way in Game 1 with two goals and three assists and he’s been on a tear in this year’s postseason, easily one of the reasons Tampa has looked so strong.
That he was unable to return in such a close game is not a great sign but Lightning fans will keep their collective fingers crossed that this isn’t anything serious.
More must-reads: