"Time to make some blockbuster deals": Canucks fans panic after Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson injury updates

The Vancouver Canucks suffered a stunning 5-4 upset on Saturday against the struggling Seattle Kraken, despite leading 4-1 until the third period. Playing without captain Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson for the first time this season, the team appeared poised for another victory before collapsing in the third period.

Initially, the injuries to both players were deemed not serious. However, according to coach Rick Tocchet, they will be sidelined for a much longer period. The Canucks face a challenging schedule ahead, with road games against the Calgary Flames on Tuesday and the Seattle Kraken on Thursday.

When asked about the availability of the two players for the upcoming road trip, coach Tocchet said:

"They're not going to make the trip."

He also provided an update on their expected return, revealing that Elias Pettersson is "probably a week away" and Quinn Hughes is "week-to-week."

This news came as a significant shock to Canucks fans, many of whom took to X to express their disappointment and frustration.

"alright i can’t take it anymore", said a fan.

"Most fragile team in sports", wrote another fan.

"That would be the end of the season", reacted another fan.

The Canucks (17-10-8) are already dealing with the absence of defenseman Filip Hronek, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since November 27.

In light of these injuries, some Canucks fans have begun urging the management to make a significant trade to keep their Stanley Cup hopes alive.

"Well... Say bye bye to our playoff chances... Time to make some blockbuster deals to rebuild or reset or retool" one fan wrote.

"Its time for management to make a trade for a Dman no more waiting", another stated.

"Make a trade Allvin!!", exclaimed another fan.

The loss of Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson further exacerbates the team's challenges. Hughes, in particular, has been instrumental to the team's success, playing in all 34 games this season and recording eight goals and 34 assists.

Canucks' collapse for the ages: 5-4 loss to Kraken makes NHL History

NHL: Seattle Kraken at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn

The Vancouver Canucks, playing without reigning Norris Trophy winner and captain Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson for the first time since 2019, dominated the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena on Saturday afternoon for most of the game. They comfortably led 4-1 until the third period, but suddenly lost momentum.

Kraken scored three consecutive goals, including left-winger Jaden Schwartz's second tally, which came with just 49 seconds left in the third period, tying the game. The Canucks ultimately fell 5-4 in overtime.

This collapse etched itself in NHL history, marking only the third instance in the league's 107-year history where a team lost after holding a 3-goal lead, allowing the opposition to score three goals in the final 4:45 of regulation.