Canucks: Tyler Myers out for Game 3 with shoulder injury

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers will be out for Game 3 against the St. Louis Blues with a shoulder injury.

The Vancouver Canucks will have to try and get past the St. Louis Blues without one of their top-four defencemen for Game 3.

According to Matt Sekeres of TSN 1040, Tyler Myers will be out for tonight’s game due to a shoulder injury that he suffered in Game 2. Sekeres added that Jordie Benn, Brogan Rafferty and Jalen Chatfield are possible replacements for Myers.

Myers was injured after taking a hit from Blues forward Brayden Schenn in the third period. He finished with 13:44 of ice time, recording one hit and a shot on goal.

The 30-year-old has been held off the score sheet in Vancouver’s first six playoff games. Myers has averaged 18:57 of ice time per game in the postseason, racking up a whopping 20 penalty minutes.

Myers — who signed a five-year deal worth $30 million with the Canucks in 2019 free agency — had six goals and 21 points in 68 regular season games. He had 108 blocked shots and 99 hits, averaging 21:30 time on ice.

There was heavy criticism towards the Myers deal, but he has proven to be a valuable part of a blue line that had been a weak link for several years.

Despite the lack of offence and the unnecessary penalties, there’s no denying that Myers’ loss is a big blow on Vancouver’s defence. His playoff experience, leadership and toughness against a stronger and more physical St. Louis team has been key, and there’s no replacing that.

Vancouver has the depth to survive Myers’ absence. Chris Tanev has been his usual defensively sound and responsible self. Quinn Hughes is a game-changing force, and Troy Stecher has been an unsung hero during Vancouver’s thrilling playoff run.

Hopefully, Myers’ injury won’t keep him out long-term. It’s “next man up” for head coach Travis Green as the Canucks look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the defending Stanley Cup champions.