Ryan Getzlaf Injured: Who Hurts More, Canada or Anaheim?

Early in the second period on Monday night, Ducks fans were screaming as Ryan Getzlaf netted a beautiful goal to put the Ducks up 2-1 over the visiting Los Angeles Kings.

Win streaks were on the line; 10 in a row for the Kings or 10 in a row at home for the Ducks.  I was cheering for the latter. 

Moments later, Ducks fans were holding their breath.

Somewhere in the midst of a power play was a frantically waving ref, a celebrating Corey Perry, and Getzlaf laying on the ice in pain.  As he hobbled to the bench, fans realized that two things had just happened. 

One: the goal was being called off for a player in the crease (Perry–who else?).

Two: Getzlaf was hurt...bad.

Meanwhile, somewhere in North American, Steve Yzerman's cell phone was ringing. 

I spent the next 45 minutes glancing towards the tunnel that lead from the locker room.  No Getzlaf.

Perry on the ice.  No Getzlaf. 

For Ducks fans everywhere, this puts a question mark on the run to the playoffs.  Can the team make it without their No. 1 center? 

After having suffered through enough player injuries this season, this one seems to be the most concerning.  Losing the top scorer on the roster, and a physical beast like Getzlaf is the last thing you want to see happen when your team is in the thick of the playoff hunt. 

The Ducks have already experienced life without Getzlaf this season when he suffered a leg laceration against San Jose in late Dec.  The Ducks were without his services for four games and went 1-3 during that stretch.  Upon his return the Ducks went on to win five straight.  Yes, Getzlaf can do that . 

Not only are the Ducks stressing about a serious injury to Getzlaf, team Canada is worrying as well.

As if the Canadian Olympic team isn't already stacked with Sidney Crosby and Joe Thornton at center, I'm sure they'd really appreciate it if they were also able to have the services of the talented Getzlaf.  Perry would probably appreciate having his fellow line mate there as well.

Personally, I wouldn't mind it if Getzlaf got some rest for the next couple of weeks, but maybe that’s the American Ducks fan in me talking. 

On the positive side, if he is seriously injured (x-rays are negative at this point), this might be the perfect time for it to happen in Ducks terms.  In Olympic terms, this is as bad as it gets.