It wasn't unexpected, but Hurricanes rookie forward Andrei Svechnikov has been officially ruled out for Game 4 against the Capitals on Thursday.
The rookie was knocked unconscious by Capitals captain Alexander Ovechkin in the first period of Carolina's 5-0 win on Monday and placed in concussion protocol. Svechnikov went to the hospital after the fight; his status for the remainder of the series and postseason is unknown.
Svechnikov this morning. @NBCSCapitals @NHLCanes #CapsCanes pic.twitter.com/ilMT0AEW4o
— steve farrell (@capsbigbossman) April 18, 2019
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While coach Rod Brind'Amour didn't provide much insight as to the health of Svechnikov, the 19-year-old winger did skate on Thursday for the first time. He was seen sporting a cage and a black eye.
Andrei Svechnikov skating this morning @NHLCanes pic.twitter.com/GHGN7dCInB
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) April 18, 2019
Carolina will try to tie up its series with Washington without one of its top goal scorers: Svechnikov netted 20 goals for fourth-best on the Canes during the regular season. In two-plus games against the Capitals, he has netted three points (two goals, assist) and was tied for the team lead in goals.