Ottawa Senators defenceman Nikita Zaitsev left Thursday's game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with a lower-body injury and didn't return to action. 

Zaitsev was seen in a transport cast and crutches after the 2-1 loss to the Lightning. 

The 30-year-old suffered the injury after twisting his right foot/ankle while getting checked into the boards. Zaitsev needed help to get off the ice. 

Zaitsev has one goal and one assist over 21 games this season, his third in the nation's capital.