Bo Horvat out two-plus weeks is crushing blow for Canucks playoff hopes
Anthony Scultore
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The Vancouver Canucks playoff hopes took a hit when they announced on Friday that captain Bo Horvat will miss two-plus weeks with a lower-body injury.
Horvat blocked a shot with his foot during Thursday’s 7-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes and was later seen limping in the tunnel.
“I don’t think he’ll be available Monday,” the veteran coach told reporters Friday after practice at Rogers Arena. “I think Bo is doubtful, would be the best way to put it.”
The Province
The 27-year-old Horvat leads the Canucks with a career-best 31 goals. The center also has 21 assists while playing in 70 games. He was selected by the Canucks in the 2013 draft 9th overall and has 366 points in 572 games.
It’s likely this is the end of the line for Horvat with the his re-evaluation taking place in two weeks. The Canucks will close out their campaign with a tilt against the Edmonton Oilers on April 29 unless they can make the postseason.
Canucks playoff hopes take hit with Bo Horvat injury
Despite five straight victories, the Canucks (37-28-10, 84 points) are currently on the outside of the Western Conference wild-card race. The Nashville Predators and Dallas Stars own the two spots with 89 points, while the Vegas Golden Knights (87), the Canucks and the Winnipeg Jets (81) are still in the mix.
The Canucks will play the Dallas Stars next on Monday, April 18. Vancouver will hope for the San Jose Sharks to pull off a regulation win on Saturday to keep the Stars within striking distance.
Besides the Horvat injury, winger Nils Hoglander underwent surgery to repair what the team termed a “core muscle/groin injury.” Hoglander won’t play again this season and the club didn’t reveal a timeline for his recovery.
Hoglander, 21, had 10 goals and eight assists in 60 games this season. He had 23 goals and 22 assists in 116 games in two seasons with the Canucks.
–Field Level Media contributed to this article.