Nikita Kucherov avoids supplemental discipline for hit on Kaiden Guhle

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has appeared to get away with no supplemental discipline following his hit on Montreal Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle.

During Thursday night's game at the Bell Centre between Montreal and Tampa Bay, Canadiens defenceman Kaiden Guhle had the puck behind his team's net when Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov comes in and drives his shoulder right into the numbers on the blueliners jersey.

To the surprise of many, Nikita Kucherov was not penalized for the hit, which occured during the first period and he went on to play a key role in Tampa Bay's 7-4 win. As for Kaiden Guhle, he left the game and did not return. His status for Saturday's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs is unclear at this time.




While Kucherov didn't receive a penalty on the play, some were wonder if he would have a hearing with the National Hockey League's Department of Player Safety or at least be fined. But, according to Eric Engels of Sportsnet, that won't be the case.

In a post on X on Friday morning, Engels shared that there will be NO supplemental discipline for Nikita Kucherov.


It's not too surprising that Kucherov won't be suspended or fined by the NHL for the incident, given he's in the middle of a race for both the Hart and Art Ross Trophies, but it's certainly frustrating from perspective of Canadiens fans, as Guhle is now injured. However, Kucherov should have been given a two-minute minor for boarding at minimum last night.