Despite practicing with the team the last few days, it appears that Carolina Hurricanes rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin has not yet been cleared to return to play. The Russian blueliner suffered a concussion last Saturday in Game 4 against the Ottawa Senators after taking a heavy hit from Tyler Kleven. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour was hopeful that Nikishin would be available as he didn't have many symptoms in the following days and he was even practicing with the team as recently as the morning before Game 1. However, Brind'Amour also stated that Nikishin still had to pass another test to exit concussion protocol and it seems like he was not able to pass it. In his place, veteran Mike Reilly will draw into the lineup. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RECENT ARTICLES Hurricanes Top Line Confident Heading Into Second Round Despite Lack Of Scoring [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/hurricanes-top-line-confident-heading-into-second-round-despite-lack-of-scoring] Former Flyers Excited To Take On Old Team [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/players/former-flyers-excited-to-take-on-old-team] 'I'm Hopeful That Both Guys Will Be Ready': Hurricanes Hoping To Have Nikolaj Ehlers, Alexander Nikishin Back For Second Round [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/im-hopeful-that-both-guys-will-be-ready-hurricanes-hoping-to-have-nikolaj-ehlers-alexander-nikishin-back-for-second-round] 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] '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.
