Vancouver Canucks deliver brutal news on Pettersson, Höglander injuries
The Vancouver Canucks are getting Thatcher Demko back, but the news is not good at all regarding Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander.
The two Canucks forwards left Saturday’s game early with injuries, and it sounds like they’re each dealing with significant ailments.
In fact, both Pettersson and Höglander have flown back to Vancouver, despite four games remaining on the team’s road trip.
Needless to say, that’s not a good sign.
“They went home today. They’ll be evaluated when we get back, so they won’t be with us for the rest of the trip,” Rick Tocchet told reporters in New Jersey.
The Canucks are paper-thin at the centre-ice position, given that Filip Chytil is still dealing with the effects of a concussion. Their depth chart at centre now includes Pius Suter, Teddy Blueger, Nils Åman, and Aatu Räty, who was just called up from Abbotsford.
It’s terrible timing for a Canucks team that’s desperate for points, with just 12 games remaining in the regular season. Vancouver entered Monday five points back of the St. Louis Blues for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Canucks are five points back of a playoff spot (NHL.com)
The Pettersson and Höglander injuries must feel especially cruel for the Canucks, given both players were playing their best hockey of the season. Pettersson had 10 points in eight games prior to Saturday, while Höglander racked up eight points in nine games.
On the flip side, the Canucks are getting Demko back, as Tocchet confirmed the 2024 Vezina Trophy finalist will start Monday’s game against the Devils.
Tocchet described Demko as “healthy enough to play.”
But is he healthy enough to win?
“He’s a world-class goalie. He’s had some bad luck. Certain things on his body he’s trying to figure out. He’s starting to get healthy and putting that base together. So he’s itching to go,” said Tocchet. “Wish we had a couple more practices for him, but we’re in a spot right now. But he’s healthy enough to play.
“Anytime he’s healthy, you’re gonna go with him.”
- You might also like:
- Demko feeling 'strong' and could return to Vancouver Canucks net tonight