Alex Burrows injured, out for the series but “it’s not serious”

WATCH: Trailing their series two games to one, it was the last thing the Vancouver Canucks needed. A key player carted off in an ambulance during the game day practice. Jay Janower reports from Calgary on Tuesday.

VANCOUVER – Vancouver Canucks forward Alex Burrows is injured and will not play for the rest of the series against the Calgary Flames.

However, coach Willie Desjardins said “it’s not serious.”

The Canucks confirmed Burrows sustained an “upper body injury” and he did not play in the game Tuesday night.

Burrows was assisted off the ice after the morning skate on Tuesday. Global News sports reporter Jay Janower is in Calgary and says he saw Burrows leave the ice in discomfort and he appeared to be favouring his shoulder.

About 20 minutes later an ambulance arrived. The Vancouver Canucks asked reporters not to shoot any photos of videos of Burrows on the stretcher, out of respect. When Burrows left the Saddledome on the stretcher, Janower says his eyes were open.

The Vancouver Canucks said in a statement that Burrows left the ice in pain.

There was some question as to whether Burrows would play game four as there was speculation he may be suspended after he received an instigator penalty in the third period of game three. However, he was cleared to play.

Vancouver Canucks journalist, Derek Jory, has written a blog post about Burrows and how hockey is important, until it is not.

The focus was on the Flames and winning Game 4 as the Canucks took to the ice for morning skate. Thirteen players attended, including Alex Burrows, who was his usual grinning self.

Then, out of nowhere, to my right Burrows was being helped down the Canucks tunnel and into the team medical room by team personnel. He was in noticeable pain and groaning loudly; he was overheard saying “help” as he made his way closer to the dressing room.

And just like that, the game being played in Calgary tonight became way less and way more significant all at once.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: The focus was on the Flames and winning Game 4 as the Canucks took to the ice for morning skate. Thirteen players attended, including Alex Burrows, who was his usual grinning self.</p><p>Then, out of nowhere, to my right Burrows was being helped down the Canucks tunnel and into the team medical room by team personnel. He was in noticeable pain and groaning loudly; he was overheard saying "help" as he made his way closer to the dressing room.</p><p>And just like that, the game being played in Calgary tonight became way less and way more significant all at once.

Sven Baertschi was called up to play in game four. He was recalled from the Utica Comets before Burrows even hit the ice for skate Tuesday morning and arrived in Calgary just in time to make his NHL playoff debut, against his former team. “He’s got real good skill, he’s a good skilled played, has good speed and a real good shot,” said coach Willie Desjardins before it was announced Burrows will not play. “He’s a guy that can break open a game.”