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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECENT ARTICLES Taylor Hall Will Not Receive Supplemental Discipline For Hit To Head Of Jake Sanderson [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/taylor-hall-will-not-receive-supplemental-discipline-for-hit-to-head-of-jake-sanderson] Experience Reigning Supreme for Alexander Nikishin In Second Playoff Stint [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/players/experience-reining-supreme-for-alexander-nikishin-in-second-playoff-stint] Redemption: Jordan Martinook Scores First Career Playoff OT Winner After Penalty Shot Miss; Hurricanes Take 2-0 Series Lead [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/game-day/redemption-jordan-martinook-scores-first-career-playoff-ot-winner-after-penalty-shot-miss-hurricanes-take-2-0-series-lead] 'I Feel Fresh': Jaccob Slavin's Early Absence May Be Blessing In Disguise For Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/i-feel-fresh-early-absence-of-jaccob-slavin-may-be-blessing-in-disguise-for-hurricanes] Image [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2fc97c03-6cff-45e8-ae59-23b0632dfa24.jpeg] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwmeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] to never miss a story. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
