Elias Pettersson misses Canucks game with a lower-body injury

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 01: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center on February 01, 2020 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Elias Pettersson, the leading scorer for the Vancouver Canucks this season, wasn't in the the lineup on Thursday. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson was a late scratch for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Wild due to a lower body injury, the team announced prior to puck drop.

Boston Bruins defenceman Matt Grzelcyk laid a late hit on Pettersson on Tuesday, an incident that had the 21-year-old sophomore fired up after the game. Pettersson’s absence is likely more precautionary than worrisome, as he was healthy enough to take line rushes pre-game and did not miss practice on Wednesday.

The reigning Calder Trophy winner, Pettersson has kept his strong play rolling right along in his second season. He’s scored 23 goals and put up 55 points in 54 games, making him the leading scorer for the Pacific division-leading Canucks.

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