The Vancouver Canucks got a big win over the Washington Capitals on Sunday. Vancouver jumped out to a 4-0 lead, eventually holding on for the 4-3 win.
But along the way, the Canucks got hit with an injury double-whammy. Forwards Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Filip Chytil left the game with injuries early. Then, Teddy Blueger also left the game in the third period.
The three injury concerns came on top of Brock Boeser’s absence due to personal reasons.
First, Lekkerimaki left the game early with an undisclosed injury in the first period. It’s unknown what precisely the nature of the ailment is or what might have triggered it. The 21-year-old skated for just a little over four minutes across six shifts.
Second, center Filip Chytil also left in the first period. He, too, is dealing with an undisclosed injury. Like Lekkerimaki, it’s unknown the exact cause of the situation or how it occurred.
The hope at this point is that Lekkerimaki and Chytil’s absence from the game was nothing more than precautionary measures.
Lastly, Teddy Blueger, who scored the game-winner early in the second period, left the game in the third period.
Apparently, it could be a lower-body injury for Blueger, who fell to the ice late in the third. Check out the play here.
There is no word on Blueger yet. He is under evaluation, with the club potentially providing more information later this coming week.
Vancouver Dealing with Various Injuries
While there hasn’t been much information on Sunday’s injuries, all three wounded warriors are day-to-day. That’s a good sign for the Canucks as the team is already dealing with its share of injuries.
That’s potentially good news, but it comes on top of a tough injury situation to start the season.
Forward Nils Hoglander is currently week-to-week with a lower-body ailment. He underwent surgery in late September and could be back at some point in December.
Meanwhile, blueliner Derek Forbort hit the shelf this past week with an undisclosed injury. He’s missed playing time this year already, but could be back sooner rather than later.
Also, Guillaume Brisebois looks to be out for quite a while as he underwent lower-body surgery earlier this season. There is no timeline for his return.
Canucks Win Streak Could Be in Jeopardy Due to Injuries
The Canucks emerged from an early-season funk to win three straight. They beat two tough teams in the Capitals and Dallas Stars, while handing the still-rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks a tough one-goal defeat.
But the injuries, particularly to two-thirds of their second line, could jeopardize the Canucks’ chances of continuing their winning streak. Vancouver next plays against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday.
If the club can have all three wounded warriors back in the lineup, plus Brock Boeser, the Canucks could be in line to extend their winning streak to four. Otherwise, the plan will be for other players to step up and take on additional roles to support the club.
It’s worth noting that the Canucks have had a solid start under first-year coach Adam Foote. So, the club will be looking to build on that momentum. Unfortunately, there’s no telling how many injuries could derail that moment at this point.
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