Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov returned to the ice Thursday morning, less than 72 hours after being knocked out by Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin during a fight.
Svechnikov wore a red, non-contact jersey along with a full cage as he participated in some light skating and shooting drills at PNC Arena.
The 19-year-old was placed in the league’s concussion protocol after he was rendered unconscious following a right hand from Ovechkin during their first-period tilt in Game 3 between the Capitals and Hurricanes on Monday. The back of Svechnikov’s head slammed hard against the ice after taking the knockout blow.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’Amour told reporters in Raleigh, N.C., on Tuesday the team is being cautious with the rookie winger and will not rush the 19-year-old back. Svechnikov has not yet been medically cleared to play and his status for the remainder of the series is unclear.
Prior to his injury, the 2018 second-overall pick was off to a strong start to his playoff career. He scored two goals in his post-season debut and added an assist in Game 2.
Forward Micheal Ferland and defenceman Calvin de Haan are also out for Thursday’s Game 4 matchup in which the Hurricanes will look to even the series at two games apiece.
The winner of Capitals-Hurricanes series will move on to face the New York Islanders in the second round.
