Ehlers returns for Hurricanes vs Flyers; Nikishin out with concussion
Veteran forward back from lower-body injury as Carolina opens Eastern Conference semifinals; rookie defenseman still in concussion protocol
Quick Look
- Veteran forward Nikolaj Ehlers returns from a lower-body injury for the Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Ehlers, 30, had 26 goals and 71 points in his first season with Carolina, which earned the East's No.
- Rookie defenseman Alexander Nikishin remains out with a concussion sustained in Game 4 against Ottawa.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Carolina Hurricanes finished the regular season with the NHL's best record in the Eastern Conference, earning the No. 1 seed. They swept the Ottawa Senators in the first round. This is Ehlers' first season with Carolina after being acquired from Winnipeg.
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Veteran forward Nikolaj Ehlers, hampered by a lower-body injury in the Carolina Hurricanes' first-round sweep of the Ottawa Senators, will return to the lineup Saturday night, when his club hosts the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. Ehlers, 30, returned to practice this week, as the Hurricanes awaited their second-round opponent. In his first season with Carolina, Ehlers had 26 goals and 71 points, as the Hurricanes raced to the East's No. 1 seed. He played in three games against Ottawa, registering one assist during an average of 20:01 time on the ice. On Carolina's back end, the Hurricanes, as of Saturday's morning skate, were still awaiting news on rookie Alexander Nikishin for the opener against Philadelphia at Lenovo Center. During Game 4 vs. Ottawa, Nikishin was knocked from the second period after a jarring hit from Tyler Kleven, leaving the defenseman prone on the ice and struggling to get back to his feet. Nikishin was diagnosed with a concussion and had yet to clear the league's concussion protocol, though he has been practicing with the team. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Open Questions
- Will Nikishin return during the Flyers series?
- How will the Hurricanes adjust their defensive lineup?
