Lightning forward Brayden Point left Game 7 of Tampa Bay's first-round series against the Maple Leafs with an apparent right leg injury.
Point attempted to stop a puck along the boards in the first period and as he turned, it appeared his right leg gave out. He laid down for a few seconds, clutching his right hip before hobbling off the ice. He immediately headed down the tunnel to the locker room.
He returned for the second period and tried to play a shift, but it was clear he was still in pain.
If Point is out for long, that is a huge loss for the Lightning who now turn their action to a second-round series with the Florida Panthers after getting past Toronto in Game 7.
Point was a major factor in the Lightning's Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021. He had 14 goals in each of the two postseasons, leading the team both times.
Here's the latest on Brayden Point's availability.
What is Brayden Point's injury?
The exact injury is not known. It does seem as though it is with his right leg, perhaps near the thigh area.
Brayden Point's injured. Just brutal. pic.twitter.com/AvJqhDtmBA
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 14, 2022
It does not look like there was any contact from Maple Leafs' defenseman Mark Giordano, who was the closest player to Point on the play.
What is Brayden Point's injury status?
On Monday, Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said that Point will not play in Game 2 of Tampa Bay's second-round series against the Florida Panthers.
Jon Cooper said Point won’t play tomorrow
— Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) May 18, 2022
Given his body language and reaction from teammates on the bench in Game 7, it's hard to believe Point will be returning to the lineup any time soon.
Patrick Maroon and Anthony Cirelli consoling Brayden Point who looks devastated after still feeling shaken up on his first shift back in the 2nd period pic.twitter.com/pbylgEO2DH
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) May 15, 2022
Panthers vs. Lightning schedule, TV channels
| Date | Site | Time (ET)/Results | TV |
| Tue., May 17 | at Florida | Lightning 4, Panthers 1 | TNT, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
| Thu., May 19 | at Florida | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
| Sun., May 22 | at Tampa Bay | 1:30 p.m. | TNT, Sportsnet, TVA Sports |
| Mon., May 23 | at Tampa Bay | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports |
| *Wed., May 25 | at Florida | TBD | TBD |
| *Fri., May 27 | at Tampa Bay | TBD | TBD |
| *Sun., May 29 | at Florida | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
Panthers vs. Lightning odds
Panthers: -149
Lightning: +121
Odds provided by Sports Interaction
