A devastating hit sidelines Nikishin, igniting a furious response and escalating tensions as the playoff battle intensifies.
The Carolina Hurricanes will more than likely be without defenseman Alexander Nikishin for the foreseeable future after the Russian blueliner absorbed a huge hit from Ottawa Senators defenseman Tyler Kleven.
In the second period of Game 4, Nikishin was leaned over attempting to play a puck in his own defensive end when Kleven came charging in with a gigantic hit.
Kleven caught Nikishin square in the body, but the force of it alone was enough to make you think a concussion is likely.
The Hurricanes defenseman had to be helped off the ice and immediately went to the locker room.
The hit on Nikishin also set off a chain of events throughout the period with tempers rising more and more.
Andrei Svechnikov went after Kleven immediately, pummeling him to the ice and the Senators responded in kind with big hits from Brady Tkachuk.
Carolina looks to advance to the second round while Ottawa is fighting for their season.
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