LAS VEGAS – The Vancouver Canucks aren’t gambling with super rookie Elias Pettersson, although coach Travis Green said winger Brock Broeser will be a game-time lineup decision Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Pettersson, the 19-year-old who leads the Canucks and all NHL rookies in scoring, will miss his fifth game since suffering a concussion Oct. 13 when thrown to the ice by Florida Panthers defenceman Mike Matheson. He skated Wednesday morning with teammates for a third straight day.
Boeser, last season’s Calder Trophy finalist who has been playing through a sore groin, also participated in the Canucks’ optional morning skate after missing Tuesday’s full practice.
“Elias is not playing tonight and Brock is, I guess, day-to-day,” Green said. “Right now he’s questionable. He skated this morning. I will follow up with trainers.”
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The Canucks are 2-2 without Pettersson and their scoring has dropped nearly by half. In the two games the Canucks won without him, Boeser scored one winner in overtime and set up another for Bo Horvat.
“You take those two guys out of the lineup – if that’s the case – we’re going to have to play a real good team game,” Green said. “Find a way to win a hockey game.”
Former Golden Knight Brendan Leipsic, a healthy scratch the last seven games, is expected to replace Boeser on the first line with Horvat. Nikolay Goldobin, who was demoted to the fourth line for Tuesday’s practice in Vancouver, will likely play back at the top of the lineup tonight.
The Canucks visit the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday.
