Nick Cousins won't be back on the ice for the next little while.
The Ottawa Senators enforcer is out at least one week after absorbing a massive hit from Washington Capitals defenceman Jakob Chychrun on Tuesday, head coach Travis Green told reporters Wednesday.
Cousins was briefly knocked out by the play, Green said. No penalty was called. Washington went on to win 3-2 in overtime.
As Cousins looked to clear the puck out of the defensive end late in the third period, Chychrun caught him with his head down and sent him flying into the boards.
Cousins stayed face-down on the ice before eventually getting to his feet and making his way off the ice with assistance from teammates. He did not return.
"He's not doing great," Green said after the game, adding that Cousins did not go to the hospital. "I thought it was a head shot to a player who wasn't ready for it. They must have saw it different."
The officials reviewed the hit for a five-minute major, but determined there was no penalty.
"I should be careful what I say; I don't like seeing that stuff," Senators forward Ridly Greig said.
Added captain Thomas Chabot: "I hate, I think everybody hates, these scenes in hockey, in any sport."
Cousins, 33, has two goals and one assist in 19 games this season. The Senators are back in action Thursday at home against the Colorado Avalanche.
