Kucherov plays in Game 7

The NHL's 2021 playoff points leader didn't miss Game 7.

Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Nikita Kucherov ultimately suited up for the decisive contest of the Stanley Cup semifinal series against the New York Islanders on Friday night.

Kucherov took part in the pregame warmup alongside Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat, according to The Athletic's Joe Smith.

The Russian dynamo left Game 6 not long after Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield cross-checked him early in the first period. Kucherov finished his shift but then exited the contest and didn't return.

Mayfield wasn't penalized on the play, and Lightning captain Steven Stamkos later said the Islanders blue-liner was "probably a guy looking for a cheap shot there."

Kucherov entered Game 7 sitting atop the league leaderboards in both assists (22) and points (27) for this postseason.

The Lightning also got defenseman Erik Cernak back Friday night. He'd missed the last two contests.

Tampa Bay defeated the Islanders 1-0 to advance to the Stanley Cup Final against the Montreal Canadiens.

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