Senators’ Chychrun leaves game vs. Lightning with cramping due to fatigue

Ottawa Senators head coach D.J. Smith gives the media an update on Jakob Chychrun who left the game in the second period after falling into the boards awkwardly, saying, he thinks the exit had more to do with fatigue and cramping.

Ottawa Senators defenceman Jakob Chychrun left the game during their 7-2 win against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Senators coach D.J. Smith told reporters after the game that he did not think his defenceman left with an injury but rather with cramps due to fatigue. Smith added that Chychrun had trouble sleeping, had a root canal earlier on Thursday and didn’t eat before the game.

Chychrun was first slew-footed by Tampa blue liner Victor Hedman in the second period but remained the in the game.

In the final frame, Chychrun was hit awkwardly in the corner of the boards by forward Michael Eyssimont. The 24-year-old skated towards the Senators’ bench favouring his left leg before finally making his way to the locker room.

Acquired from the Arizona Coyotes in the leadup trade deadline, Chychrun has collected five points (two goals, three assists) in 12 games since joining the Sens. The Boca Raton, Fla. native has 33 points (nine goals, 24 assists) so far this season.

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