If controversy’s coming from Niklas Kronwall’s huge hit on Nikita Kucherov, it doesn’t sound like it will be because of complaints from the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Perhaps it’s about covering themselves after some physical exchanges as their series extends to Game 7 against the Detroit Red Wings. Maybe head coach Jon Cooper doesn’t want to push the envelope too much.
Or, simply enough, the Lightning just don’t think it was a bad hit. Kucherov did little too fan flames about it, as Yahoo’s Nick Cotsonika reports.
“He made a hit. I’m not going to cry now,” Kucherov said. “It’s a part of the game. That’s why we play here.”
Brian Boyle backed up Kronwall in a way, noting that he’s an “honest player,” according to Cotsonika. Cooper didn’t advance the argument, although perhaps you could read the quote with a sarcastic tone if you’re really stretching:
Cooper said he didn't see Kronwall hit. "The refs didn't call a penalty, so it must have been OK."
— Nick Cotsonika (@cotsonika) April 28, 2015
Regardless, the league will probably take a look at the hit, even if the pressure isn’t on from the Lightning:
Should they be more upset?