Alexei Emelin Done for Season After Tearing Knee Ligament Trying to Check Milan Lucic (Video)

Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin has developed the reputation as a big hitter around the NHL. That cost him his season on Saturday night, though.

The Habs announced Monday that Emelin will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. The blue liner tore a ligament in his left knee while trying to deliver a hit to Bruins forward Milan Lucic during Montreal’s 2-1 win Saturday night. Emelin lined up Lucic for what eventually turned into a big hit, but with Emelin getting the worst of it. He bounced off of Lucic and fell to the ice. It looked like an awkward fall with Emelin’s left skate catching on the ice.

Emelin brought a needed physical presence to the club. He was leading the Canadiens in hits this season with 110, and the next closest Hab was Brandon Prust who has 68 hits this year.

See the injury in the video below.