Bryan Rust get the elbow up on Brock Boeser late in the third. 🎥: Sportsnet | #Canucks
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‘Vicious hit to the head’: Foote and DeBrusk react after Canucks’ Boeser takes late hit from Bryan Rust
Photo credit: © Bob Frid-Imagn Images
By Jacob Fraser
Jan 25, 2026, 22:30 EST
Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser went down after a hit to the head late in the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Canucks trailed the Penguins 3-2 late, and were looking for the equalizing goal when Penguins forward Bryant Rust came flying into the scrum in front of the Penguins’ net in the dying seconds of the third and seemingly got his shoulder up on Boeser, who was helped off the ice by teammates. No penalty was called on the play as time expired.
Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote was asked about the hit post game and called it a headshot.
“It was a headshot. It was shoulder and his head. I’m sure the league will look at it because it was, even though he may have been desperate to get Boes down because it was a scrum at the net, I still think it was something that you got to be in control of your body. I thought it was a little bit of a vicious, vicious hit to the head.”
Teammate Jake DeBrusk said that he and his teammates didn’t see the hit in the moment, but after getting a look at it post game, said “I think it’s a pretty dirty play to be honest with you.”
The reaction from Canucks fans on social media has had a similar sentiment, with many fans immediately following the play, calling it a dirty play. At this time, Foote said he does not have an update on Boeser’s condition.
Boeser missed time last season after taking a similar hit to the head from Tanner Jeannot against the Los Angeles Kings on November 7, 2024, which led to a three-game suspension for Jeannot.
Boeser would go on to miss seven games following that play last season.
The Canucks, who have been riddled with injuries this season, could be facing yet another big loss to their lineup if Boeser indeed misses time.
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