It became pretty clear from the start which team was sharper. That was the Carolina Hurricanes. The Vancouver Canucks were down 3-0 before the halfway point of the first period and were outshot 7-1. The Canes were sharp, crisp, and if you are not ready, they will make you pay.
The two concerns we discussed over the weekend came up again. First period, three goals. Penalty kill. Canes scored on all three power plays. Now we need to add allowing shorthanded goals to the list of issues. The Canucks have now allowed three in the first five games. That is the most in the NHL.
The second period was “better”. They had three high-danger scoring chances and a goal by Jake Debrusk. But they allowed three goals. A shorthanded goal, a power play goal, and an even-strength goal. Two of Logan Stnakoven’s natural hat trick goals were in the second period.
Any progress the Canucks could have made was quickly thwarted. A forecheck would turn to a 2-on-1 the other way. A clear couldn’t go down the ice. And mistakes ended up in the net. Defensive coverage errors throughout. Social media pointed to Victor Mancini. He did not have a good night. But neither did any of his defensive mates. Htonek and Oleksiak were on the ice for three goals.
The EP40-Debrusk-Lekkermaki line had some jump. Debrusk had two goals. EP40 had two assists. The line had eight shots. Everyone else struggled.
Good on Malhotra for getting Lankinen out after two periods. He took some heat after keeping him in for eight goals in the home opener against the Oilers.
As far as the Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes. They have been accused of being boring; I wouldn’t call them exciting. But I don’t think they are boring. They are creative around the opposition net. Specifically, Svechnikov and Sebastian Aho. The line of Stankoven, Blake, and Hall continues to produce and is able to use their speed through the neutral zone. A surprising stat for this game is that the Canes had 26 giveaways, according to NHL.com
The Canucks will have back-to-back games this weekend. Saturday in New Jersey. Sunday at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers.
Canucks To Honor Garrett
Canucks will honour John Garrett on October 20 when they return home to play these same Canes. Garrett played four seasons with the Whalers,
One with the WHA New England Whalers in 78-79. He then played three seasons with the NHL Hartford Whalers from 79-82. John Shorthouse mentioned on the broadcast that “they are still dealing with it”. I can imagine they are. Garrett passed away on April 28 this year.
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