Red Wings’ Michael Rasmussen Injured After Dirty Trip from Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov on Empty Net Goal
The Detroit Red Wings’ 6-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night was marred by a dirty play that left Red Wings forward Michael Rasmussen injured. With the Lightning leading 5-3 and the Red Wings’ net empty, Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov scored an empty-net goal and then proceeded to trip Rasmussen from behind, sending him crashing to the ice.
The Play
The play occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the game. Kucherov, who had already scored a goal and added two assists, collected a pass from teammate Brayden Point and skated towards the empty net. As he approached the net, Rasmussen, who was trying to get back into the play, was skating towards Kucherov. That’s when Kucherov stuck out his leg and tripped Rasmussen from behind, sending him tumbling to the ice.
Reaction from the Red Wings
The Red Wings were understandably upset with the play, and several players immediately confronted Kucherov. “It’s a dirty play,” said Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin. “You don’t do that to a guy who’s not even involved in the play. It’s not a hockey play, it’s a dirty play.” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde also weighed in on the play, saying “It’s a play that has no place in the game. It’s a play that can hurt someone seriously.”
Reaction from the Lightning
Kucherov, who was given a minor penalty for tripping on the play, claimed that he was just trying to protect himself. “I was just trying to get out of the way,” Kucherov said. “I didn’t mean to trip him.” Lightning coach Jon Cooper also defended Kucherov, saying “I don’t think Kucherov meant to hurt him. It’s just one of those plays that happens in the game.”
Injury Update
Rasmussen was able to get up and skate off the ice under his own power, but he did not return to the game. After the game, Lalonde said that Rasmussen was being evaluated for a lower-body injury and that his status for the Red Wings’ next game was uncertain.
Discipline
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety will likely review the play and could potentially hand out discipline to Kucherov. If Kucherov is suspended, it would be his first suspension of the season.
Conclusion
The dirty trip by Kucherov on Rasmussen was a low point in an otherwise exciting game between two of the top teams in the NHL. The play was a reminder that even in a fast-paced and physical game like hockey, there is no place for dirty plays that can hurt someone seriously. The Red Wings will be hoping that Rasmussen’s injury is not serious and that he will be able to return to the lineup soon.
Impact on the Red Wings
The loss of Rasmussen, even if it’s just for a game or two, could be a significant blow to the Red Wings. Rasmussen has been one of the team’s top scorers this season, with 10 goals and 15 assists in 25 games. He has also been a key contributor on the team’s power play, which has been one of the top units in the NHL this season.
Impact on the Lightning
The Lightning, on the other hand, may be without Kucherov for a game or two if he is suspended for his dirty play. Kucherov has been one of the team’s top scorers this season, with 15 goals and 20 assists in 25 games. He has also been a key contributor on the team’s power play, which has been one of the top units in the NHL this season.
Final Thoughts
The dirty trip by Kucherov on Rasmussen was a disappointing moment in an otherwise exciting game between two of the top teams in the NHL. The play was a reminder that even in a fast-paced and physical game like hockey, there is no place for dirty plays that can hurt someone seriously. The Red Wings and Lightning will likely meet again this season, and it will be interesting to see how the two teams match up without Rasmussen and potentially without Kucherov.
