Loss of Bryan Rust adds injury to insult in terrible game for Penguins.

It is hard to imagine how Saturday night could have gone any worse for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

As if a second period collapse in which they allowed 3 goals in just 65 seconds wasn't enough, the Penguins also lost one of their core forwards to injury after he had just come off of injured reserve.

After establishing a two goal lead over the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, the Penguins would eventually lose the game by a score of 4-3 thanks to a horrible second period. The biggest question coming out of the game however may be the one surrounding the health of veteran forward Bryan Rust.

Rust, who helped the Penguins establish their early lead with a goal, suffered a lower body injury when he was checked into the boards by Canucks forward Nils Hoglander. The hit occurred prior to Rust ever having touched the puck and he was furious at the National Hockey League officials on the ice for not calling a penalty on Hoglander. Rust could be seen screaming at the officials from the bench, but was eventually forced to head back to the Penguins locker room due to the injury he suffered on the play.

Rust appeared to be unable to put any weight down on his leg, but the Penguins have not released any information regarding the severity of his injury. Following the game, Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan would only confirm that it was indeed a lower body injury.

"He's being evaluated for a lower body injury," said Sullivan dismissing the inquiries into Rust's injury.

It was an embarrassing loss for the Penguins, who have struggled out the gate to start the regular season, and one that may cost them dearly depending on just how serious the injury to Bryan Rust proves to be.