Hurricanes’ Svechnikov doubtful for Game 4 after Ovechkin knockout

Watch as Alex Ovechkin makes quick work of Andrei Svechnikov, knocking out the 19-year old with three quick successive punches.

Carolina Hurricanes forward Andrei Svechnikov is considered doubtful for Game 4 against the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

Svechnikov is currently in concussion protocol after being knocked out during a fight against Alex Ovechkin Monday night.

Midway through the first period of Game 3, the two exchanged a few punches but Svechnikov’s night ended when Ovechkin struck the rookie with his right fist and sent the 19-year-old crashing to the ice, where he hit his head. Svechnikov remained on the ice for a few moments and was slow to get up before being helped off the ice. He didn’t return to the game, and was checked out in hospital later in the evening.

Ovechkin told reporters after the game that he hopes Svechnikov is OK, and said it was Svechnikov who initiated the bout.

“I’m not a big fighter … He asked me to fight, I said, ‘Let’s go, yeah.’ So, I hope he’s OK,” he said. “You don’t want to see a guy get hurt or something.”

Svechnikov has been having a strong series, scoring twice in Game 1 and adding an assist in Game 2. The Hurricanes won Monday’s matchup 5-0 and will look to even up the series Thursday.

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