Washington Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette said Tuesday that defenseman John Carlson will be out for a substantial amount of time.

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Asked by the media in the morning, a few hours before a match against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden, the coach mentioned a “long-term” case. Thus, Carlson will notably miss the visits of the Ottawa Senators, Thursday, and the Montreal Canadiens, Saturday, in the American capital.

The guard was hit in the head by a shot from Brenden Dillon of the Winnipeg Jets early in the third period of Friday's game. He went to the hospital, where he remained under observation until the following day.

This season, the 32-year-old has amassed 21 points in 30 games.