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.
