‘Obviously a Concussion’: Rod Brind’Amour Speaks on Alexander Nikishin’s Game 4 Injury

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In the first half of Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators, the Carolina Hurricanes lost their rookie defenseman, Alexander Nikishin, due to injury, which soon led to a line brawl and heightened physicality throughout the rest of the match. Though information was minimal, head coach Rod Brind’Amour still spoke to the media about him after the game.

Alexander Nikishin Injured in Second Period Against Ottawa Senators in Game 4

With 15:29 left on the second period clock, Alexander Nikishin hit the ice hard.

Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven had landed a massive hit on him – a blow which snapped Nikishin’s head back and knocked him off his feet. Immediately after, Andrei Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho converged on Kleven as the others on the ice found someone to tussle with.

As a major penalty on Kleven was called and went under review, head athletic trainer Doug Bennett rushed onto the ice to tend to Nikishin. He managed to stand on his own power, but as he went to skate away, he fell, being caught by Bennett and Seth Jarvis. Soon after, Shayne Gostisbehere skated over and assisted him off the ice alongside Jarvis.