In Sunday’s Game Two of the Capitals’ first round series with the Columbus Blue Jackets, forward Andre Burakovsky was dealt an upper-body injury on a hit into the boards. In a hint of its severity, Burakovsky did not even travel with the team to Ohio for Games Three and Four, but not much else was known about his status.
Friday, coach Barry Trotz gave us more details, saying that Burakovsky will have a minor surgery and will miss the rest of the Columbus series.
Andre Burakovsky is out for the rest of the series. Trotz said he needs a minor surgery.
— Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) April 20, 2018
Trotz would not rule out the possibility that Burakovsky could return if the Capitals advance.
Cap coach Barry Trotz said Andre Burakovsky (upper body) is out for remainder of series vs. Columbus and needs minor surgery.
Said it’s possible Burakovsky returns later in playoffs should Caps advance.
— Tom Gulitti (@TomGulittiNHL) April 20, 2018
Burakovsky has missed significant parts of two straight seasons with injuries. Last season, he broke his right hand, missing a little more than a month. This year, he broke his left thumb and did not play for a month and a half.
Sunday’s injury occured around 15 minutes into the first period. Going to retrieve a puck in the corner, Burakovsky was hit by Columbus’ Boone Jenner. His right side banged awkwardly into the boards.
The Capitals will look to ride their momentum, even without Burakovsky, to take the series lead against the Blue Jackets in Game Five. The puck drops at 3 pm Saturday.
Headline Photo: Cara Bahniuk
