SPORTS

Senators' defenceman Karlsson out for rest of season with Achilles injury

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, February 14, 2013 2:23PM EST

Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson limps off the ice as a team trainer arrives to help him after Karlsson collided with Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Matt Cooke during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

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OTTAWA -- Erik Karlsson's season is over.

The Ottawa Senators defenceman had surgery Thursday morning after his Achilles tendon was cut Wednesday during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Senators general manager Bryan Murray says Karlsson's surgery went well and the defending Norris Trophy winner's tendon was 70 per cent cut.

Karlsson's recovery time is expected to be at least three-to-four months.

Karlsson was injured while being checked by Pittsburgh's Matt Cooke, who was not disciplined by the league.

The loss of Karlsson is a huge blow to Ottawa (7-5-2) which is already minus star forward Jason Spezza, who is out indefinitely after having back surgery for a herniated disc.