The big question coming into this game was how Vancouver Canucks fans would respond to the returning Quinn Hughes. From warm-up until midway through the third, Hughes was booed every time he touched the puck. Some paused to cheer Hughes during the video tribute. But it was back to booing. To the Canucks credit, they came out with some fire.
Not only did they have eight shots on goal, including a 5-0 shot within the first five minutes, but they were also physical on Hughes throughout the contest.
Unfortunately, Hughes and the Wild had the last laugh. It started late in the first. Filip Chytil took a high-sticking penalty. Maxim Shabaonov scored then on the power play to give the Wild the 1-0 lead. Similar to Saturday in Seattle, the Wild controlled the second period. Outshooting the Canucks 16-3 and outscoring them 2-0. This included a historic moment. Hughes scored to get his 500th career point. That made it 3-0.
Hughes added one more point at 3:38 in the third. He sent Kirill Kaprizov in alone to make it 4-0. Max Sasson returned a breakaway goal 6:24 into the third. Boeser added one more at 16:53. Final score 4-2.
While the Canucks had a great start, the effort sagged as the game went on. We talked about the second-period shot total. The third was no better. Shots were 13-4 Wild. Shots on goal were 34-17 Wild. It is the fourth straight game the Canucks had under 20 shots on goal. Remember, they had eight in the first half. Five the rest of the game. High-danger chances were 17-7 for the Wild.
If this was a group of youngsters, I think there would be some understanding. But the frustration is the veteran group making the errors. Not only was there a Filip Chytil penalty late in the first. There was also a giveaway on the 2-0 goal. The Hughes pass to Kaprizov was similar to Sam Darnold to JSN down the road in Seattle. But there was a breakdown involving both Elias Pettersson and Zeiv Buium. Brock Boeser did score late.
But considering his comments after the Detroit game, it’s fair to expect more. After a quick start, Jake Debrusk hasn’t scored a goal in seven games. Newcomers Paul Cotter and Jamie Oleksiak were healthy scratches. The veterans are expected to set the example and standard. It hasn’t happened. Manny Malhotra is starting to get more frustrated.
The lone positive was Leevi Meriläinen. 30 saves. Ninth in save percentage with .917.Seven high danger saves. He continues to impress.
I think I was one game ahead going into this. But the Canucks have lost 10 in a row. I’ve lost count. I know that their last win was October 3 against Calgary. Far too long. This was a game the Canucks COULD have won. Wild were on a back-to-back. Pickard is their number 3 goalie. Remember, Filip Gustavsson is injured.. Eventually, the Canucks need to win. Just to help the locker room morale.
Canucks prospect Cootes injured
The Canucks got some concerning news from Abbotsford. Braeden Cootes missed Sunday’s game against the Calgary Wranglers with a lower body injury. He is doubtful for to start the road trip against the San Jose Barracuda.
Reminder: Sat is back
Sat Shah returns to the Canucks discussion today. His show debuts this afternoon at 4. And after every Canucks game.
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