Canadiens' Beaulieu suffered fractured sternum on hit by Senators' Karlsson

Montreal Canadiens defenseman Nathan Beaulieu missed seven games after being hit by Ottawa Senators blue-liner Erik Karlsson in Game 3 of their first-round series, and now we know why.

Karlsson's hit gave Beaulieu a fractured sternum, the Canadiens defenseman told reporters Thursday.

He returned to the lineup for Game 5 of Montreal's second-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Here's another look at the hit:

Beaulieu skated multiple times while wearing a tinted visor following the injury, but said Thursday that he did not have a concussion.

He played in Game 5 and 6 against the Lightning, registering no points and mustering a single shot on goal.