Nikita Kucherov in Serious Trouble After Attempting to Blow Up Matthew Tkachuk's Knee

Late in the first period of their Atlantic Division game heading into the Christmas break, we saw Lighting forward Nikita Kucherov deliver a very dangerous hit to Panthers pest Matthew Tkachuk.

Tkachuk was reaching for a loose puck in the middle of the ice with his knee exposed when Kucherov finished his check with his whole body going through Tkachuk's knee sending the Panthers' forward spiraling to the ice.

Tkachuk remained on the ice for a moment before being helped off the ice and to the Panthers' dressing room. Kucherov received a major and game misconduct for his hit.

A few minutes into the second period however, Tkachuk returned to cheers from the Panthers' fans.

Given that Tkachuk returned, Kucherov may or may not face serious supplemental discipline from the NHL's Department of Player Safety. However, Kucherov is known for his questionable hits and the league may see that as him being a repeat offender and offer further punishment.

With the NHL now on its Christmas break, we may not get any update from the Department of Player Safety immediately, but many fans believe the Russian star should receive some sort of suspension.

The 31-year-old former second-round pick scored before his penalty Monday night, helping the Lightning to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Panthers. In 30 games, Kucherov has tallied 15 goals and 50 points for the Lightning as they climb their way back up the Atlantic Division standings.