Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson will need to have surgery after a skate cut his Achilles during the team's game Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 22-year old is the reigning Norris Trophy winner, handed out the league's top defensive player. Karlsson is now out indefintely.
The injury took place in the final minute of the seoncd period. Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke came from behind to pin Karlsson against the boards. His skate made contact with the back of Karlsson's lower leg, leaving him to skate off in pain. He was immediately taken back to the locker rooms.
"You knew right away there was an issue. He's a player who is irreplaceable. It's unfortunate, but there are no words that can explain what we are feeling," Senators goalie Craig Anderson said.
Cooke has been suspended several times in his career for hits, many involving blows to the head. In 2011, he was suspended from the final 10 regular-season games along with the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after delivering an elbow to the head of New York Rangers Ryan McDonagh.
Losing a player like Karlsson is a big hit to the Senators hopes at a good season. Karlsson was playing at least 30 minutes a game. He was their top defensive player. He has registered six goals and 10 points in 13 games. The Senators are already down two other star players this season. They lost No. 1 center Jason Spezza to back surgery and forward Milan Michalek is out with a low-body injury.
Teammates of Cooke have come out in his defense saying the hit was harmless and a fluke injury.
"I don't think he tried to do what he did. It was just an accident. There's no intention on Cookey's part to hurt him," Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby said.
The adjustment for the Senators will be tough without Karlsson in the lineup. The normal timetable for this sort of injury can be months. With the shortened schedule, Karlsson could be likey to miss the rest of the season.
