The Vancouver Canucks went 0 for 6 on the power play last night against the Toronto Maple Leafs, including a 4-on-3 power play late in the first period. This loss marks their 5th straight in the new year, and their sixth straight loss since their last win against Seattle on December 29th.
The Canucks came out of the gate strong on Saturday night against the Leafs, outshooting their opponents 15-6 in the first period. Canucks were given four power-play opportunities in the first period, including a 4-on-3 advantage and the gift of the Leafs taking two separate ‘too many men’ calls.
However, even with nearly eight minutes on the man advantage, the Canucks were stuffed at every turn and unable to generate more than a couple of moderate scoring chances. Elias Pettersson commented on their power-play difficulties, shouldering some of the blame on himself.
The game was, for all intents and purposes, over after the first period. Despite the Canucks 4 powerplay opportunities and 15 shots on net, they trailed the Leafs 3-0 heading into the 2nd. That would be the end to Thatcher Demko’s night, as he let in 3 goals against only 6 shots on net.
Kevin Lankinen would come into the game in relief for the 2nd period. Unfortunately, the goalie swap was unable to reignite much in the way of offence for the Canucks, as they only managed 14 shots over the rest of the game.
The Canucks would be given two more chances on the man advantage, but each opportunity provided fewer quality chances than the last.
Tank now, win later
This most recent loss, coupled with the Winnipeg Jets’ win against the Devils on Monday night, gives the Canucks sole possession of 32nd place in the league. On the bright side, continued struggles in Vancouver will only improve the Canucks chances at a top 3 pick in this upcoming draft.
The Trade deadline is also just around the corner, after the February Olympic break. It would not be surprising to see the Canucks make some moves before the deadline or even before the Olympics, to maximize on the value of their players.
This year’s draft class is set to be very strong and deep, and so there is no reason for the Canucks to hang on to anything not tied down. That being said, the best tanks are the ones that happen with some dignity.
We need to talk about Brock
The Canucks are not expected to rebound into a playoff spot before the end of the season. However, the leaders on this team, with contracts extending next season and beyond, are not holding up their ends of the bargain.
Brock Boeser, in particular, is having a world-class struggle for the ages. Scoreless in 19 straight games, contributing only 5 assists in that time. Not good enough is an incredible understatement. Adding on to the fact that this is Boeser’s first year of a seven-year extension in Vancouver, carrying a cap hit of 7.25 million AAV.
This streak for Boeser is becoming more than a case of gripping the stick too tightly. Albeit, Boeser has been snake bitten, with pucks bouncing over his sticks during grade A opportunities, or goalies making brilliant saves to keep his unlucky streak going.
However, and more to the point, this rebuilding team, with hopes of getting younger, needs its veteran stars to play like them, no matter what. Boeser needs to get back to doing the little things right, and start moving his legs until good things happen. If not, then it’ll just be more well-paid cardio.
The Canucks will continue their Eastern Conference road trip with a back-to-back against Montreal on Monday and the Senators on Tuesday. Neither game is slated to be easy as the Atlantic division teams vie for every point they can get. A small silver lining is Conor Garland is expected to make his return against the Canadiens, and will hopefully inject some much needed energy
