Kucherov played Stanley Cup Final with fractured rib

Nikita Kucherov battled through a significant injury while helping the Tampa Bay Lightning go back-to-back.

The superstar forward played with a fractured rib throughout the Stanley Cup Final, his agent Dan Milstein confirmed, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.

Kucherov reportedly needed multiple injections during the series and played the Lightning's final six games with the ailment, including Game 7 of the semifinal against the New York Islanders.

The 28-year-old winger left Game 6 of that series early in the contest and didn't return. The Lightning didn't disclose the nature of the injury at the time. Kucherov was a question mark for Game 7 but ultimately played, though he didn't appear to be 100% during that contest.

Kucherov led all skaters with 24 assists and 32 points in the 2021 playoffs. He notched three goals and two assists over the final six games of the postseason, including a two-goal, one-assist effort during a 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the final.

The seven-year veteran missed the entire regular season after undergoing hip surgery.

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