Nikita Kucherov is the leading scorer in the playoffs after not playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning all season while recovering from hip surgery. The Lightning were able to stash Kucherov on long-term injured reserve and activate him for the postseason, when the salary cap is no longer in effect. Carolina defenseman Dougie Hamilton says the Hurricanes lost to a team that was $18 million over the cap. Members of the Florida Panthers and New York Islanders have been careful not to make it a point of contention. The NHL says it found no issue with the situation after investigating.
