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Tocchet gives injury updates on Vancouver Canucks forwards Pettersson and Höglander

Colton Pankiw
Colton Pankiw
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Mar 22 2025, 8:54 pm
Tocchet gives injury updates on Vancouver Canucks forwards Pettersson and Höglander
Bob Frid/Imagn Images

The Vancouver Canucks loss to the New York Rangers this afternoon may have been far more costly than just two points in the standings.

The Canucks deserved a much better fate, outshooting the Rangers 39-12 but losing by a 5-3 final. The loss was a very frustrating one, though there is much more concern surrounding the status of Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander.

Pettersson appeared to be injured in the second period, as he was noticed wincing before a face off before heading down the tunnel a short time later. He was able to return for the remainder of the second, but was not on the bench for the third.

It’s not clear exactly when Höglander’s injury occurred, though he too was absent for the entire third period. Head coach Rick Tocchet didn’t have an exact timeline for either, but suggested the Canucks may need to recall somebody from the AHL.

“If you asked me now [if we have them for next game] it would probably be doubtful,” Tocchet said. “We’re going to have to call somebody up. We’ve got one recall left, going to have to get a centreman up.”

This is obviously a huge blow to the Canucks’ playoff hopes. They are currently duking it out with the St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, and Utah Hockey Club for a wild-card position. With today’s loss, they remain a point behind the Blues for that final spot.

nhl-standings

NHL.com

The injuries not only come at an extremely inopportune time for the Canucks, but Pettersson and Höglander individually. Both players have had disappointing seasons, but had really picked up their play as of late. Now, it’s up for others to step up during their potential absences.

The Canucks will be back in action on Monday night against another injury-riddled team in the New Jersey Devils.

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