Hurricanes’ Alexander Nikishin diagnosed with concussion

The Hurricanes also announced that Nikishin returned to Raleigh with the team, and will continue the NHL’s protocol for a safe return to play from his concussion.

Nikishin sustained the concussion early in the second period during a stretch of sustained pressure in the Carolina zone. He was looking to clear the puck out of the zone, but was unable to as Kleven pinched and went for a hit. Nikishin was slow to get up from the hit and was in a daze when he finally did, a clear sign he was concussed.

With Kleven’s hit being a heavy but clean one, there was no penalty assessed on the play, nor is any supplemental discipline expected.

The Hurricanes got the last laugh in the game though, as they went on to win 4-2, completing a four-game sweep of the Senators and advancing to the second round of the playoffs, where they’ll either face the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Philadelphia Flyers. At this point in time, the Flyers have a 3-1 lead in that respective series.

It’s the best-case scenario for Nikishin returning to the lineup as well, as it gives the Hurricanes up to a week of time off for the defenseman to get healthy. However, a timeline for Nikishin’s recovery has yet to be provided, so it’s unclear if this is a short-term or long-term injury.

Nikishin is coming off of a great rookie season, one that saw him score 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 points in 81 games before going pointless in four playoff games thus far. He likely won’t be a finalist for the Calder Trophy, but he may still receive some recognition on some ballots for his performance.

Should Nikishin miss any action in the second round, the Hurricanes will likely look to Mike Reilly to replace the rookie, as he’s the only other defenseman currently on the roster. Reilly had one goal and eight assists for nine points in 42 games this season.