Habs' Kotkaniemi won't play vs. Rangers after scary fall on hit from Zadorov

Montreal Canadiens forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi was ruled out with an upper-body injury after falling hard on a hit from Nikita Zadorov during Thursday's contest versus the Colorado Avalanche.

Kotkaniemi will not travel with the team for Friday's game against the New York Rangers, head coach Claude Julien said postgame.

The Finnish forward landed awkwardly after being spun upside down and remained on the ice before Montreal's medical staff helped him to the dressing room. No penalty was called on the play.

Kotkaniemi missed seven games earlier this season due to a groin injury. The 19-year-old sophomore has posted five points in 21 games while averaging just over 13 minutes per contest.