Brian Dumoulin Expected to Play in Game 2

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Despite taking a big check in the third period of Game 1, Pittsburgh defenseman Brian Dumoulin is expected to play in Game 2 on Monday. The hit fro Tampa’s Ondrej Palat drove Dumoulin’s head into the boards and removed him from the remainder of the contest, which Tampa eventually won.

Following Sunday’s practice the defender said that he feels well enough to play and coach Mike Sullivan said the same to the media following practice.

Not only did Dumoulin say that he expects to return, but that he could have come back into Game 1 if there was more time left in the game, reports Seth Rorabaugh of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“It is scary, thinking it could be your head or neck,” he said after practice. “Thankfully it wasn’t anything serious.” He also noted that he did go through concussion protocol.

Dumoulin spent Sunday’s practice paired with Kris Letang, who was also the recipient of a hit from behind in Game 1. Letang’s hit came at the hands Ryan Callahan early in the first period and saw Letang briefly leave the game. He returned before the end of the frame.