During the first period of the Tampa Bay Lightning's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Lightning defenseman Erik Cernak took a heavy hit from Blue Jackets forward Mathieu Olivier.
There was no penalty called on the play, which resulted in Lightning head coach Jon Cooper asking for an explanation by official Wes McCauley.
Cernak, 28, is known for his defensive play and is a key penalty killer for the Lightning. He has also been named to the Slovakian Olympic Team for the upcoming Olympic Games, which will take place next month.
Cernak has missed quite a bit of time for the Lightning this season, including 17 games in November and December. He's appeared in 30 of Tampa Bay's 49 games this season. Offensively, he's yet to score a goal but has contributed five assists on the score sheet.
The Lightning have already been without Victor Hedman, Ryan McDonagh, and Emil Lilleberg on the blue line. Max Crozier was also absent from the lineup on Saturday, as he was out with an illness, and was replaced by Simon Lundmark, who made his NHL debut against Columbus.
At this time, it's unknown if Cernak will return to the game for the Lightning.