Philip Broberg, the St. Louis Blues defenseman, is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks due to a lower-body injury sustained during a recent game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The injury occurred when Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner fell onto Broberg's leg, leading to a concerning moment on the ice. Fortunately, the prognosis is more optimistic than initially feared, as Coach Drew Bannister noted that the injury could have been much worse.
Key Takeaways
- Philip Broberg will miss 4-6 weeks with a lower-body injury.
- The injury occurred during a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
- Coach Drew Bannister expressed relief that the injury was not more severe.
- Broberg was performing well, ranking second on the team in points.
- The Blues are already dealing with multiple injuries to key players.
Injury Details
Broberg's injury took place midway through the second period of the game on Saturday night. As he was engaged in a play along the boards, Marner fell onto him, causing Broberg's right leg to bend at an awkward angle. He immediately clutched his leg and required assistance to leave the ice, raising concerns about the severity of the injury.
Coach Bannister provided an update on Monday, confirming that Broberg's injury is classified as a lower-body issue. He emphasized that the four-to-six week recovery timeline is a positive outcome, considering how serious the situation appeared at the time of the incident. Bannister stated, "I’m happy that he’s going to be back. It could have been worse, but it isn’t."
Broberg's Performance
Before his injury, Broberg was having a strong season, contributing significantly to the Blues' offense. In just 12 games, he had accumulated nine points, placing him second on the team behind Jordan Kyrou, who has ten points. His performance has been a bright spot for the Blues, who are currently navigating a challenging season.
Team Impact
Broberg's absence adds to the list of injuries plaguing the Blues this season. The team is already without several key players, including forwards Robert Thomas, Kasperi Kapanen, and Mathieu Joseph, as well as defensemen Nick Leddy and Torey Krug. Thomas is dealing with a broken ankle, while Krug is expected to miss the entire season following ankle surgery.
Bannister acknowledged the challenges posed by these injuries but expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt. He stated, "I think our guys have done a real good job of stepping into those situations. You can't necessarily expect somebody to come in and take over Robby's job or Broberg's job. You need it to be a team effort."
Next Steps
In Broberg's absence, Scott Perunovich is expected to step into the lineup. The Blues, currently holding a record of 6-6-0, will need to rely on their depth and teamwork to navigate the upcoming weeks without one of their top defensemen. Bannister emphasized the importance of collective effort, saying, "We need everybody on the ice pushing in the right direction."
As the Blues look to maintain their competitive edge, the return of Broberg will be eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike. The team will continue to monitor his recovery closely, hoping for a swift return to the ice.
