Boston's Jonas Gustavsson taken to hospital for illness
Boston Bruins backup goaltender Jonas Gustavsson left their Tuesday game against the Anaheim Ducks with an illness and was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital for “observation” the team announced.
Gustavsson started Tuesday against the Ducks but exited after the first period. Gustavsson stopped 14 of 16 Anaheim Ducks shots on goal. When he left, the score was 2-1 in favor of the Ducks.
The 31-year-old Gustavsson's had three heart procedures in his NHL career. Following the game, coach Claude Julien said he didn't know if the issue was related to any prior heart issues with Gustavsson.
In the past, Boston goaltending coach, Bob Essensa has been the team’s emergency backup. The 51-year-old Essensa hasn’t played since the 2001-02 season with the Buffalo Sabres. He’s a veteran of 446 NHL games. Essensa started 67 games for the Winnipeg Jets in 1992-93.
There has been much less emergency backup drama this season than last year. Robb Tallas, Arturs Irbe and Dwayne Roloson all suited up at points during 2014-15.
Recently Colorado Avalanche coach Patrick Roy ruled himself out as the team’s emergency backup for his team's Tuesday game against the San Jose Sharks. Starter Semyon Varlamov is still in Denver to begin a civil suit trial and backup Calvin Pickard was not feeling well.
In 14 games this year, the 31-year-old Gustavsson is 9-3-1 with a 2.29 goal-against average and .917 save percentage.
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