Jonas Gustavsson Illness: Updates on Bruins Goaltender's Status and Return

Joe PantornoJan 26, 2016

Boston Bruins goaltender Jonas Gustavsson was forced to leave Tuesday night's game against the Anaheim Ducks.

Continue for updates.

Gustavsson Suffering From "Illness"

Tuesday, Jan. 26

After playing the first period, the 31-year-old did not take the ice for the second in what turned out to be a 6-2 Ducks win.

The Bruins released the following statement: "Bruins goaltender Jonas Gustavsson exited tonight's game due to illness. He has been transported to Mass General Hospital for observation."

The type or the severity of the illness has not been disclosed yet.

Gustavsson, who is in his seventh year in the NHL, is a perennial backup and in his first year with the Bruins. A reliever for Boston starter Tuukka Rask, the veteran has become a stellar second option for the team.

Having appeared in 14 games this season, Gustavsson had a 9-3-1 record and had career-high numbers in save percentage (.917) and goals-against average (2.29) entering Tuesday night.

One of his best performances of the season came on Jan. 16 in a 33-save effort against the Buffalo Sabres, as the Bruins show:

He's been a supporting player on a Boston team that has surprised many this season. After losing the likes of Milan Lucic and Dougie Hamilton this offseason for draft picks and prospects, the Bruins weren't expected to be in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Yet entering Tuesday night, they were fifth in the Eastern Conference.

Now Rask might not get as much rest as usual if Gustavsson misses a considerable amount of time. With only two goalies listed on their roster, the Bruins will have to call up a backup for Rask.

Malcolm Subban could get the call-up from the Providence Bruins of the AHL if that's the case. The younger brother of Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban, Malcolm appeared in one game with Boston last season. Whoever is given the responsibility to replace Gustavsson, it'll be difficult for him to replicate the kind of lift he's been able to give the Bruins this season.

Stats courtesy of Hockey-Reference.com.