Flyers Lose Rasmus Ristolainen Early vs. Blue Jackets as Injury Woes Continue
Rasmus Ristolainen just can’t catch a break.
In only his fourth period back on the ice since returning from an upper-body injury, the Flyers defenseman exited Wednesday night’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets early in the first period. It’s yet another setback for a player who’s struggled to stay healthy this season.
Ristolainen had recently returned to the lineup after missing time due to an injury sustained prior to Philadelphia’s January 14 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres. That absence eventually landed him on injured reserve. He made his return on January 26 against the New York Islanders, suiting up at home in front of the Flyers’ crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
But just a few shifts into Wednesday’s contest, Ristolainen was forced to leave the game. He logged only 1:01 of ice time before exiting.
Following a TV timeout on the TNT broadcast, analyst Brian Boucher-stationed between the benches-relayed a quick conversation with Flyers head coach Rick Tocchet. According to Boucher, Tocchet didn’t yet have an update but believed Ristolainen may have taken an awkward fall.
The Flyers later confirmed that Ristolainen would not return to the game due to a lower-body injury.
It’s a tough development for both the player and the team. Ristolainen, a veteran blueliner and Finnish Olympian, was working his way back into rhythm after his previous injury.
His physical presence and experience are valuable to a Flyers blue line that’s leaned on younger talent throughout the season. For a team in the thick of a competitive stretch, losing a key piece on the back end-again-adds another layer of adversity.
At this point, the Flyers haven’t provided further details on the severity of the injury or a timeline for Ristolainen’s return. But given his short-lived appearance and the team’s quick ruling him out for the night, it’s a situation worth monitoring closely.
For now, it’s another frustrating chapter in what’s been a stop-and-start campaign for Ristolainen.