Canucks fans: Sign up at https://Betalytics.com for your no strings 5-day trial. Use Promo Code: HHS to receive a 50% special Fall discount. Plans start from $9.99/mo.
For the Vancouver Canucks, Thursday’s 3-2 loss to the San Jose Sharks, was not as frustrating as the defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers. However, it was damn close.
The Canucks played a really solid 50 minutes. Alas, they yielded three goals in a 2:50 span midway through the third cost them the game. Even the first half of the third period was defensively commendable. But once Will Smith scored on the power play, the game turned.
EP40 isn’t “back.” EP40 is progressing. He’s on a six-game point streak. 5-on-5 was 8-3 Canucks when he was on the ice. But beyond the analytics, he was creating offence. Great play on the Drew O’Connor goal. Even the last two minutes, he was driving the play trying to get the tying goal.
Should Leevi Meriläinen have stopped 3-2 goal? Yes. But I also wondered if Manny Malhotra should have called a timeout at 2-2. Izzy Cheung pointed out the issues of shifts after goals for the Canucks this year.
There were good moments from Marco Rossi. Including the play he makes on the Liam Ohgren goal. But I think there needs to be more from Rossi. 5 vs 5 were 5-4 shots. But his three goals were against Edmonton. That was on Sept 29 and Oct 1. That’s 11 games ago.
As for the Sharks. Celebrini and Smith are the Sharks cheat code. Smith has a GREAT shot. Specifically, the first goal. But they had a slow start. The boo birds were out at the end of the second. Although, you could argue it might be when the Canucks were holding the puck behind the met. But considering the performance they had against the Sabres, a 2-0 loss, it wasn’t a great effort.
Cootes Day to Day
Abbotsford GM Richard Seeley gave an update on Braeden Cootes. Seeley said he’s “day to day” with a lower body injury. He’s not expected to play n Bakersfield Friday night.
