Senators' Boucher: Karlsson disclosed injury because he's over it
It was a rare moment of honesty in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Following a series win over the Boston Bruins, Erik Karlsson admitted to having been playing with two hairline fractures in his left heel.
As the Ottawa Senators now prepare to face off against the New York Rangers in the second round, head coach Guy Boucher was asked if he was concerned about what Karlsson had disclosed, fearing the opposition may target the sore spot.
"It's over," Boucher countered Tuesday, per Ian Mendes of TSN. "That's why he said it. He's perfectly healthy now."
Perhaps a higher power has been at work since Karlsson suffered the injury back in late March:
Boucher says "we were all praying" when Karlsson was injured at end of year. #Sens
— Bruce Garrioch (@SunGarrioch) April 25, 2017
Despite the foot issue, Karlsson recorded six assists and averaged 30:24 of ice time in the series against the Bruins.