The two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning have endured a tough start to their quest for a three-peat in the Stanley Cup Final against the Colorado Avalanche. The Avs have jumped out to a 2-games-to-none series lead, with the series having shifted to Tampa Bay for Games 3 and 4. At the end of one period, the Lightning had a 2-1 lead, though it came with a price. Left winger Nick Paul was forced to exit the game late in the first period with an apparent leg injury, per Shayna Goldman of The Athletic.
Nick Paul to the locker room pic.twitter.com/phOKekKBIj
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) June 21, 2022
Paul was shoved from behind by Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson. The Lightning winger hit the ice hard, landing awkwardly on his right leg.
The 27-year-old Paul hobbled off the ice to the bench, appearing to be in serious pain. While many were fearing a tough loss for the Lightning, it appears that Paul, who was back for the start of the second period, dodged an injury bullet.
Paul, who was traded from the Ottawa Senators, appeared in 21 regular season games for Tampa Bay, tallying 14 points, nine assists and five goals scored.
In 20 postseason games, Paul has eight points and four goals scored. At the time of print, Paul, who is struggling a bit with his skating, was able to score a goal to give Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead.
So far, so good for the Lightning.
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