ST. PAUL, Minn. – One game after taking a late, unpenalized hit in Boston, Vancouver Canucks leading scorer Elias Pettersson was a late scratch for Thursday's game against the Minnesota Wild.
The Canucks provided no immediate details on Pettersson's status, but head coach Travis Green might give an update on the 21-year-old's condition after the game.
Three minutes into Tuesday's 4-0 loss in Boston, Pettersson was unprepared for a late hit by Bruins defenceman Matt Gryzelcyk, who bounced the centre heavily into the end boards a couple of seconds after the Canuck passed the puck.
Green was furious at the non-call and the abuse Pettersson has been taking, saying: "I'm so frustrated with it. This guy is one of the best young players in the league. And he gets hit (when) he's totally defenseless. Those are hits that the league is trying to get out of the game, especially against top young guys, top players in the league. I think Petey has shown he is one of those guys, and it is frustrating for me as a coach to see some of the abuse he takes where he doesn't get (calls)."
Pettersson limped to the bench after the hit, but finished the game and was well enough to practise Wednesday in Minnesota. He spoke to reporters after practice and said he had a "bruise." He said he was not ready for Gryzelcyk's late hit.
Thursday was the first time this season that Pettersson has missed a game. He won the Calder Trophy last season despite missing 11 games with two separate injuries, one of them a concussion sustained on an unpenalized bodyslam by Florida defenceman Mike Matheson, who was suspended for two games by the NHL's Department of Player Safety.
Pettersson leads the Canucks this season with 23 goals and 55 points in 54 games. The all-star was replaced on the top line by Adam Gaudette.
Entertainment Plaza - TV, Movies, Sports, Music, Soaps
http://almosthuman99.com
Babe Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://almosthuman99.com/polls/babes/babeofthemonth.html
Hunk Of The Month - Vote Now!
http://almosthuman99.com/polls/hunks/hunkofthemonth.html
No comments:
Post a Comment