Report: Couturier out for series after huge Alex Ovechkin hit

Alex Ovechkin locked on target, crushing Sean Couturier against the boards.

It appears as though Philadelphia Flyers forward Sean Couturier will miss the remainder of the series against the Washington Capitals after being on the receiving end of a huge Alex Ovechkin hit.

Midway through the second period of Thursday’s Game 1, Couturier was crushed along the boards at centre ice by the Russian superstar. Couturier skated off the ice on his own power but appeared to be in discomfort, favouring his his left arm.

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The Flyers described it as an upper-body injury and said he will be re-evaluated Friday, but Flyers beat reporter Tim Panaccio broke the news that Couturier suffered a sprained left AC joint and won’t return in the first round.

Following the game, Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol told reporters: “We had to go without [Couturier] for the rest of the game tonight. Won’t go any further than that.”

Washington took the game by a score of 2-0. Game 2 takes place Saturday.

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