Coming into his first career outdoor game start, Philipp Grubauer admitted the opportunity was “really special” and he wanted to make it “a good memory by winning the game.”
Things did not pan out for Grubi. The Avalanche lost the Stadium Series game 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings and Grubauer was knocked out of the game early in the third period due to injury.
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Grubauer was butt-checked in the head by Ian Cole — the same player who got his orbital bone broken in a fight with Tom Wilson.
Ian Cole’s ass knocks Philipp Grubauer out of the game… pic.twitter.com/KZZdEMHU56
— Hockey Central (@HockeyCentraI) February 16, 2020
Grubi laid on the ice motionless for several seconds as he writhed in pain. He left the game in favor of backup goaltender Pavel Francouz.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said afterward that Grubauer sustained a lower-body injury, not an upper-body one, due to the awkward hit.
Jared Bednar says both Matt Calvert and Philipp Grubauer susatained lower-body injuries. No timetables were given regarding their statuses. #Avs
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) February 16, 2020
The goaltender was still getting worked on by the training staff when he spoke to reporters after the game. Bednar believes there is a possibility Grubi could miss time.
“The fact that he left the game tonight tells me there’s certainly the possibility that he’ll miss games.” – Jared Bednar on Grubauer
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 16, 2020
Grubauer made 14 saves on the night. Tyler Toffoli scored the first hat trick in outdoor game history in the Kings victory.
Headline photo courtesy of NBC
