Hockey games can turn tense in the final moments, and Sunday’s matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Vancouver Canucks was no different. A late play during a net-front scramble grabbed attention and drew strong reactions from the Canucks.
As the Canucks attempted a comeback, a controversial hit left players and fans talking long after the game.
Bryan Rust’s Controversial Hit Sparks Outrage as Penguins Beat Canucks
In the final seconds of Pittsburgh’s 3-2 win, Penguins forward Bryan Rust delivered a high elbow hit to Canucks winger Brock Boeser. Rust skated in from the left just as Boeser tried to score and made a hit on his head. In the same play, Boeser was also hit by Rickard Rakell from behind.
The officials called a two-minute minor on Rust for an illegal check to the head. Later, Boeser managed to get to the bench with help, but the hit left Vancouver players frustrated.
After the game, in a conversation with Canucks reporter Brendan Batchelor, Jake DeBrusk told Sportsnet650, “I think it’s a pretty dirty play, to be honest with you,” while teammate Teddy Blueger agreed the hit was dangerous but added he doesn’t think Rust is normally a dirty player. The play came at the very end of the game, leaving the Canucks with little time to respond.
Rust, 33, was drafted 80th overall by the Penguins in 2010 and is known for his strong net-front play, defensive awareness, and scoring. This season, he has 18 goals and 21 assists in 47 games, contributing 39 points while playing more than 20 minutes per night. Rust’s performance has helped Pittsburgh earn four straight wins and is pushing for the playoffs in the 2025-26 season.
Meanwhile, Boeser, 28, drafted 23rd overall by Vancouver in 2015, is a right winger and alternate captain who has 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 games this season. He has struggled defensively, carrying a minus-30 rating, and now faces a day-to-day status after Rust’s hit.
Canucks coach Adam Foote did not provide an update on Boeser’s condition, leaving the team concerned about his availability for Tuesday’s home game against the Sharks.
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The hit looked dangerous, and NHL player safety could be involved if the situation escalates. Meanwhile, Rust’s contributions remain important for Pittsburgh after a career high of 31 goals and 65 points last season, despite the Penguins missing the playoffs for the third straight season.
Vancouver now faces both the loss and the challenge of managing a key player’s potential injury while preparing for their next game against the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 27 at 10 p.m. ET. The Canucks enter the matchup with a 17-30-5 record, while the Sharks are 26-21-3.
