Fansided

Canucks’ Alex Burrows taken out of practice on stretcher

By Nathaniel Reeves

Apr 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Alex Burrows (14) warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Chicago won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Vancouver Canucks left wing Alex Burrows (14) warms up prior to a game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center. Chicago won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows has been hospitalized with an undisclosed injury.

Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows was taken out of practice on a stretcher on Tuesday morning, according to Mark Spector of Sportsnet.ca.

It’s unclear what the nature of Burrows’ condition is, other than the typical nondescript “upper-body injury” so often used in hockey. Burrows was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons and will not play in Game 4 tonight against the Calgary Flames, while the rest of the Canucks were sent home from practice following the incident.

Jon Abbott of TSN 1040 radio in Vancouver adds that Burrows’ condition is not believed to be life-threatning.

While undoubtably positive news, that information adds some confusion to the situation. It’s hard to imagine what injury in practice would require EMTs and a hospital visit, let alone the entire team being sent back to the hotel, if it’s not indeed a medical issue.

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Hopefully, Abbott’s information rules out some sort of heart issue. The NHL went through a scary moment last March when Dallas Stars center Rich Peverley collapsed on the bench during a game after suffering a cardio issue.

The concern is obviously with Burrows’ long-term health, and that will weigh heavily on his teammates’ minds tonight if his issue is not totally cleared up. But Burrows will be missed on the ice on Tuesday and potentially the rest of the series.

Vancouver trails in the series 2-1 will need to win two games in the extremely hostile Scotiabank Saddledome to advance to the next round. That will be challenging down a key third line forward, as the recently called up Sven Baertschi will have a hard time matching Burrows’ production.

Burrows scored 15 goals and added 18 assists in the 2014-15 regular season. He’s got two assists on Vancouver’s seven total goals during the series current series against Calgary, but was fortunate to avoid suspension for instigating a fight in Game 3.

The problem for the Canucks has been finding the back of the net, as they’ve been held to three total goals in their two losses in the series. Without Burrows, the pressure will fall squarely on the shoulders of the Sedin brothers and Radim Vrbata to generate enough offense.

Hopefully the stretcher and subsequent hospital visit was indeed for precautionary reasons and Burrows will be able to return soon. It’s a confusing and frightening situation at the moment.

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