The Vancouver Canucks faced a setback as two of their key offensive players were injured during Saturday`s game against the New York Rangers.
It was announced by the team that Elias Pettersson and Nils Hoglander would not return to the game due to injuries sustained separately.
Pettersson departed in the middle of the second period, showing signs of discomfort after being removed from the faceoff circle by the referee. He proceeded to the locker room and was absent from the bench at the start of the third period, having played only 7 minutes and 50 seconds.
Hoglander was also missing at the beginning of the third period, and the moment of his injury was unclear. He had played just 7 minutes and 3 seconds of ice time before his exit.
Coach Rick Tocchet mentioned post-game to reporters that there were no updates on the condition of either player. However, he indicated the Canucks might need to call up a center from their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford.
Elliotte Friedman from Sportsnet reported during Hockey Night in Canada`s Saturday Headlines segment that both players are still under evaluation. The team anticipates having more information before their Monday game against the New Jersey Devils.
Pettersson`s season stats include 15 goals and 45 points over 63 games, though he had been on a five-game point streak leading up to Saturday’s game in New York.
Hoglander has recorded six goals and 21 points in 65 games, with six of those points coming in his last five games.
