As someone new to covering an NHL team, it is a process to try and develop a writing style and a distinct voice. One of the things that we will add is a perspective from the Vancouver Canucks opposition.
The Canucks did allow another power-play goal, and there was an adventure in front of the net that allowed the eventual winning goal. But it was their best first period of the season. 6 vs 5 chances. Shots were 8-6 Devils. But they did have a push. High-danger chances were 3-2 Devils. Not great. But not as bad as it has been.
It was a tough game for Filip Hronek. He fumbled the puck on the 2-1 goal. Then Jasper Bratt flipped the 3-1 goal through Hronek’s legs.
As mentioned, the Devils came in 28th at 7.1%. They scored 3 power-play goals. Nico Heischer found open ice for two. And ultimately cost them the game. I thought they were quite solid 5 vs 5. According to Natural Stat Trick,high-danger chances were 7-1 for the Canucks in the second period.
There was a controversial call at the end of the second period. This looked like a pretty clear spear from Evan Rodrigues on Marco Rossi. It was called a major. After review, it was called a double minor for high-sticking. There is an official in front of the play.. I’m not sure what needed to be reviewed there, as it looked like a clear major.
It was another good game for EP40. But I thought EP 25 also had a strong game. 17:00 One hit, two blocks. I thought he had some chemistry on the four-on-four with EP40 early in the third. Other than the Hronek fumble, I thought the blue line was generally solid this afternoon.
There has been a lot of discussion about Kevin Lankinen. Leevi Meriläinen had another solid outing. All of the goals were on the power play. He made 31 saves. Manny Malhotra did not say that Lankinen will play Sunday at Madison Square Garden. Meriläinen played back-to-back twice with the Ottawa Senators last season. Jan 7-8 in Utah and Colorado. Jan 13-14 he won both, including a 2-1 win over the Canucks. By the way, despite only playing 5:27, it’s Lankinen who will get the loss as he allowed the winning goal. But I do think there is an argument for Meriläinen to get a few more games.=
As far as the Devils, I thought they controlled the puck very well. They had 37 shots on goal. There was a good stretch in the first half of the second period when they had the puck. Defensively, the Devils’ sticks blocked Canuck passes. Jake Allen had to make some big saves. One where DeBrusk was all alone. And the Sasson, Bains, and Gallagher had a good chance in the second. Also, congratulations to Amadeus Lombardi on getting his first NHL point.
Canucks GM Johnson Interviewed During First Intermission
Dan Murphy interviewed Canucks GM Ryan Johnson during the first intermission. Johnson said they have implemented a lot in a short period of time.
About Manny Malhotra
“He’s learning about these players and their personalities. Seeing where guys fit. I think it’s a great opportunity to take some risks. Throw some ideas out at the coaching staff and see what works as we move along here.”
Johnson has also been impressed with EP40, particularly with his discomfort.
“I’m proud of him. He came prepared. There were a lot of conversations about putting him in a place where he is comfortable. When you do that, you allow him to get uncomfortable in his own way. You see the way he’s competing. His physicality, and he’s been able to produce some offence. He’s getting uncomfortable in his own way, and we are supporting him through that. He’s played excellent through five games.”
