Cassidy: Lilleberg's hit that injured Hertl was 'senseless'

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy wasn't happy with Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Emil Lilleberg's hit that forced Tomas Hertl to leave and not return in Vegas' 4-2 win Sunday.

Lilleberg sent Hertl into the boards following a breakaway chance with under six minutes left in the game. The officials gave the Lightning blue-liner a two-minute minor penalty for boarding.

"(Lilleberg is) a big guy, he's trying to establish himself in the league. But that's kind of a senseless hit to me in a situation like that when a guy is really in a defenseless position and not a threat," Cassidy told reporters postgame. "It's unfortunate for us, and hopefully (Hertl) is fine."

Cassidy said Hertl is still being evaluated and will be examined again Monday.

The 31-year-old Czech forward netted his team-leading 31st goal of the season in the first period. He ranks third on the club with 59 points through 70 contests in 2024-25 and collected a hat trick in a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday.

Hertl is in his first full campaign with the Golden Knights, who acquired him from the San Jose Sharks on deadline day last season.