Lightning forward Brayden Point left Game 7 with an apparent right leg injury in the first period against the Maple Leafs on Saturday.
Point attempted to stop on a puck along the boards 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, that is a huge loss for the Lightning who look to stave off elimination in the winner-take-all contest. He scored the overtime winner in Game 6 and has four points in six games so far in the series.
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.
Maple Leafs vs. Lightning Game 7: Live score, updates, highlights
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.
Will Brayden Point return to Game 7?
Point appeared on the Lightning bench ahead of the second period. However, in his first shift, he appeared hobbled.
He continued to play, but eventually got himself off the ice, clearly in pain.
Point is really hobbling. Not sure if he will be able to do this. A for effort
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 15, 2022
Given his body language and reaction from teammates on the bench, a return to Game 7 does not look good for Point.
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
What channel is Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 on?
- Date: Saturday, May 14
- TV channel: TNT (U.S.), Sportsnet, CBC, TVA Sports (Canada)
- Live streaming: Sling TV
Lightning vs. Maple Leafs Game 7 is airing on TNT in the United States. In Canada, the game is on Sportsnet and CBC in English and TVA Sports in French.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NHL playoff game live on Sling TV. With the Sling Orange Sports Extra package, they get $10 off their first month with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 and TNT. NHL playoff games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with Sling Orange, available for $35 per month ($25 the first month for new subscribers).