Erik Karlsson pulled from Game 5 as precaution

For the second time during the playoffs, Erik Karlsson's game came to an early end.

The Ottawa Senators captain was pulled in the second period Sunday for precautionary reasons and did not return for the final frame of a blowout Game 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Karlsson has been playing on an injured foot, and the situation was similar to Game 4 of the second round against the New York Rangers, when he left the game with his team down by three goals.

"The score was not what we wanted, and not only me but we decided to shorten down minutes a bit and move on and get ready for the next game," Karlsson said, per Dan Rosen of NHL.com.

Derick Brassard and Cody Ceci also left the game, but head coach Guy Boucher later confirmed they could have come back if necessary and should be good for Game 6.