BOSTON -- Kevin Bieksa asked one of the referees what happened to Mason Raymond 20 seconds into Game 6 on Monday night and he couldn't get a straight answer.
"I still don't know what is wrong with him," Bieksa said after the Canucks' 5-2 loss to Boston forced the Stanley Cup Final to go to Game 7 on Wednesday. "I still don't know what happened."
What happened was Vancouver lost a second-line winger to what is likely a serious injury -- one that by the looks of it will keep Raymond out of Game 7 even though the Canucks have not officially said that will be the case.
Raymond was driven backside-first into the corner boards by Boston defenseman Johnny Boychuk. He stayed down on his stomach, unable to get up on his own. Eventually he was helped to his feet by linemates Ryan Kesler and Chris Higgins. Raymond needed help just to step up to the bench. He couldn't walk down the hallway on his own power.
The official word from the Canucks came in the first intermission was that Raymond was transported to a local hospital with an undisclosed injury.
Vancouver captain Henrik Sedin was told by one of the referees that Raymond lost his edge, and that's why no penalty was called. The Canucks were reportedly furious that nothing was called.
"It's tough because he's a key part of this team," Daniel Sedin said. "He brings a lot of speed to that line and he's dangerous every shift he's out there. I don't know how bad it is with him, but we've had guys step in all year and if he can't play we're going to have to get that again. Another guy is going to get a chance to step in and play in the Stanley Cup Final. That's a good chance for whoever it is."
The likely choices for Canucks coach Alain Vigneault are Alex Bolduc and Jeff Tambellini. Cody Hodgson has also been watching from the press box, but he's a center whereas the other two can play wing. Bolduc has played three games in the playoffs and Tambellini has played five. Neither has a point.
Vigneault offered no information in his postgame press conference. He said he had not yet received an update on Raymond's status.
"All year long we've played through injuries," he said. "It's no different now."
Some would argue it is. After all, the Canucks are playing one game to win the Stanley Cup on Wednesday and although Raymond doesn't have a point in the series and none since Game 3 against San Jose, he has created chances in every game and is Vancouver's fastest skater.
"I'm sure for one game we have guys who can step in and play those minutes," Henrik Sedin said. "There are guys up in the press box that are waiting for their chance, and they're going to show up like they have been."
Follow Dan Rosen on Twitter at: @drosennhl
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