Svechnikov in concussion protocol, doubtful for Game 4 after Ovechkin fight

The Carolina Hurricanes are playing it safe with Andrei Svechnikov after the 19-year-old rookie was injured in a fight with Alex Ovechkin on Monday night.

Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind'Amour said Tuesday he would assume Svechnikov is out for Game 4 against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Chris Kuc.

Brind'Amour added that Svechnikov is in concussion protocol and went to the hospital Monday night, though everything "checked out," according to the team's senior web producer, Michael Smith.

"We're going to be real careful," the Carolina bench boss said Tuesday.

Ovechkin dropped Svechnikov to the ice with a hard right hand after the Russian countrymen engaged in the first period Monday night. Svechnikov did not return to the game.

The Capitals superstar said postgame that Svechnikov asked him to square off, but Brind'Amour seemingly questioned that statement Tuesday.

"There's two versions of that going around. I'll just leave it at that," the Hurricanes head coach told reporters, including NHL.com's Tom Gulitti.

Brind'Amour also expressed his feelings about fighting in hockey, in light of the circumstances.

The Hurricanes defeated the Capitals 5-0 on Monday night to cut Washington's series lead to 2-1.