The Vancouver Canucks announced on Tuesday that winger Mason Raymond suffered a vertebrae compression fracture. The back injury will sideline Raymond for 3-4 months.
The 25 year-old was injured in Monday night’s 5-2, Game 6 loss to the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Final.
Just 20 seconds into to Game 6, Bruins defenceman Johnny Boychuk nailed Raymond into the boards as the Canuck was leaning forward.
After a several minutes on the ice, Raymond was helped off by teammates and then taken on a stretcher to a Boston hospital.
Simply put, a vertebrae compression fracture is a major back injury.
SportMedBC’s Manager of Performance Dr. D’arcey Musselman gives us her thoughts on the injury, and the potential recovery process.
“It was horrifying to watch Mason Raymond collapse to the ice after a hard hit into the boards early in the first period. Suffering from a vertebrae compression fracture, reports stated that Raymond will need three to four months to recover. Treatment of compression fractures typically includes rest, bracing, physical therapy and pain medications. However, if there is spinal cord or nerve root compression, surgery may be required.
“Whether through clean or dirty play, after such a long and draining season, it’s inevitable that players will suffer from injuries. This final series has been particularly tough and physical on all of the players as they vie for the ultimate prize in hockey. With all the raw emotion and passion these players are playing with, combined with the intensity of the games and the desire to play at whatever price, injuries are unfortunately going happen.”
No penalty was called on Boychuk.
Raymond had two goals and six assists in 24 playoff games.
Photo: Associated Press
