Hurricanes' Skinner diagnosed with concussion

Carolina Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner was diagnosed with a concussion Monday, one day after taking a hit from Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen in Carolina's 5-2 loss at Verizon Center.

"[Skinner] will continue to be monitored by our team doctors and go through proper protocols in the coming days," Hurricanes general manager Ron Francis said in a statement.

Skinner was injured early in the first period when Niskanen's forearm caught him in the side of the head.

"The puck popped out to him and he had his back to the net. I was closing on him and was getting ready to defend him, and he did like a spin-around shot and he spun his face right into my elbow," Niskanen said Sunday. "I could feel it. ... I didn't even have time to hit him, he just spun right into me. I hope he's OK."

Skinner, 22, led the Hurricanes with 33 goals last season. The Hurricanes are also without forward Jordan Staal, expected to miss 3-4 months with a broken leg.

Carolina opens the regular season Friday against the New York Islanders at PNC Arena.