Game 3 between the and has proven to be an extremely tense, physical affair. These two teams are starting to build up a bit of a distaste for each other as Joe Mauer Jersey can happen this time of year. That seemed to materialize early and often Tuesday night. The latest from SportsLine During the second period, things really seemed to kick into high gear after a pretty sizable body check that could trigger some debate. Lightning forward , who has been one of their most consistent producers and most dangerous offensive threats this postseason, was absolutely leveled by Islanders defenseman at the New York blue line. The impact left Drouin parallel to the ice before he fell back to the surface. He was badly shaken up on the play, but was able to get off the ice under his own power. However, because there was definite head contact on the play and since there have been two recent suspensions for checks involving head contact, theres some heightened sensitivity around the hit. Lets have a look: : Wow. ' Thomas Hickey absolutely rocks Jonathan Drouin with a booming hit. Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) The first thing that jumps out at you, aside from the impact itself, is that Hickeys shoulder clearly Glen Perkins Jersey makes contact with Drouins head. Thats especially apparent on the replays. Hickey was not penalized on the play, however. He probably shouldnt have been, either. While this hit will certainly be reviewed as all hits of this kind are by the Department of Player Safety, it is really difficult to see this rising to the level of supplemental discipline. The reason no suspension seems likely is that Drouin a sumed a position that appeared to Logan Morrison Jersey make head contact unavoidable. The Lightning forward cut to the middle of the ice. He has a reasonable expectation to be hit there and has a responsibility not to put himself in a vulnerable position. Hickey has no reason to cede that ice to Drouin, so he does what every defenseman would in that scenario. He stepped up and delivered a hit. Zach Duke Jersey Here's one more angle to consider: Drouin to the locker room Stephanie (@myregularface) Drouins posture and size matter here. Hickey is trying to deliver a full body check. Hes not targeting the head and his body position doesnt seem to suggest he had any intention of making contact with Drouins helmet as he ends up doing. Drouin did immediately leave the bench area for the dre sing room, mi sing the remainder of the second period. His status has not been updated. It appears to be a clean hit with an unfortunate point of impact and an especially unfortunate result. The Lightning will have to hope Drouin isnt seriously hurt or concu sed by this one. The 21 Jonathan Schoop Jersey -year-old has seven points in seven games and has been a factor in pretty much every game hes played, softening the blow of not having in the lineup. UPDATE: After sitting out the remainder of the second period and the first half of the third, Drouin returned to the Lightning bench. Thomas Hickey delivered a crushing blow to Jonathan Drouin. (NBCSN)