Kucherov to have hearing for hit late in Game 2

Nikita Kucherov will have a hearing with the Department of Player Safety on Saturday for his hit on a defenseless Markus Nutivaara on Friday night.

The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar was assessed a two-minute minor for tripping, a five-minute major for boarding, and a game misconduct for his hit in the waning minutes of the Blue Jackets' 5-1 victory in Game 2.

Kucherov has never been suspended in his career, but any prolonged absence would be a devastating blow to the Lightning's chances in the postseason.