Lightning rookie won't play against Canadiens

MONTREAL (AP) Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Victor Hedman will not be in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Montreal Canadiens following a body check that left him flattened on the ice.

Hedman says he feels OK but will skip the game as a precaution. The defenseman watched his teammates practice Friday and says he does not want to risk anything this early in the season. He adds that his status is day to day.

Hedman was rocked by a hit from Ottawa's Chris Neil during the Senators 3-2' overtime win Thursday night. Neil took a long run and smashed into Hedman. The 18-year-old player was helped off ice and did not return to the game.

Hedman says it was a clean hit and he must learn to keep his head up.

Updated November 6, 2009