The Tampa Bay Lightning lost forward Brayden Point to a leg injury early in Game 7 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Point had to be helped to the dressing room in the first period after going hard into the boards but tried to return to the game in the second period, only to play one shift.

However, Point remained on the bench with his team as they battled and pulled out a 2-1 victory, keeping the hopes of a three-peat alive. After the game, Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman praised Point and explained that him staying on the bench “was a great motivator” for the team.

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Via ESPN's Kristen Shilton:

“Everything about our group is that everyone wants to be in the fight,” Tampa Bay defenseman Victor Hedman said. “Doesn't matter how many shifts you get or if you're not playing at all. His presence on the bench … it was a great motivator. That goes a long way. We're a close-knit group, we've been through a lot together and that's a great feeling.”

The two-time defending champion Lightning were down 3-2 in this series, but they fought back to deliver more heartbreak to Toronto. Third-liner Nick Paul scored both goals in Saturday's victory to be the hero.

There was no immediate update after the game about Point's injury. Tampa Bay has to hope it's nothing too serious, because the mighty Florida Panthers are up next. The Panthers won the Presidents' Cup and dispatched the Washington Capitals in the first round.

Point scored 58 points in 66 games for the Lightning in the regular season and had four points in the first round against Toronto.