Postgame: The Canucks Get Their Revenge, Annihilate the Bruins 9-3 on Hockey Night in Canada

The Canucks got their revenge tonight by ending the Bruins five-game winning streak with a 9-3 victory on Hockey Night in Canada. The Canucks took advantage of the Bruins after they helped them out last night by defeating their Pacific division rival, the Flames. Bo Horvat’s captain prowess was on full display tonight. He was leading by example, doing everything from contributing a goal, to shutting down the Bruins’ top line and winning 10 out of 12 faceoffs. Troy Stecher let the Canucks know he is not one to be traded by recording the first three-point game of his career tonight. Tyler Toffoli and J.T. Miller also had three points each. Toffoli now has four points in his first two games with the team. The Canucks were outshot 37-35 but had the advantage in quality chances with 17 high danger chances for compared to only 6 against.

The Canucks got back on track after winning only two of their last eight games.

The Canucks and Bruins went back-and-forth in the first period. The Bruins outshot the Canucks early but Phoebe’s dad, Troy Stecher scored the game’s opening goal and lit a fire under the Canucks. Shortly after, David Pastrnak scored a gorgeous goal for his 44th of the season. He got in behind the Canucks defenders and deked around Jacob Markstrom to tie the game. Markstrom was shaken up mid way through the period, the tip of Heinen’s stick came through his mask.

Thatcher Demko made a brief appearance for the Canucks but Markstrom returned only a couple minutes later. The Canucks scored on their first power play thanks to Captain Bo Horvat, who scored his 19th goal from J.T. Miller and Tyler Toffoli. Bo had a strong period, leading the Canucks with five shots.

Tyler Motte had a strong penalty kill, he drove to the net and drew a penalty, taking the Bruins off the man advantage. The Canucks outshot the Bruins 16 to 11 and led by a goal after one.

The Canucks came out with energy to start the second period. Quinn Hughes placed the puck perfectly on Adam Gaudette’s stick. Gaudette made no mistake and put the Canucks up by two goals. Hughes now has 40 assists and is only the 13th NHL rookie to reach this feat. He has entered uncharted waters when it comes to games played after only playing a college schedule at Michigan. Somehow he is getting better as the season grows. He is fourth in defencemen scoring, first in rookie scoring and first in defencemen scoring since the All-Star break.

Horvat continued his dominant performance, his linemate Tanner Pearson scored the Canucks fourth goal of the game from Loui and Myers. The Canucks kept it coming and after Loui missed a couple of prime chances early he found the back of the net scoring the Canucks third goal of the second period. The Bruins started to lose their cool after a clean hit by Myers, as Zdeno Chara challenged Myers and attempted a fight, although both players quickly fell to The I’ve . Horvat was next up and tussled with Coyle which put him one assist away from a Gordie Howe hat trick.

The third period started just like the others, with a Canucks goal. This time it was Elias Pettersson who scored his 25th goal from J.T. Miller and Troy Stecher. Stecher’s luck had turned around after some unfortunate own goals in the previous two games. The Bruins scored on the power play and Pastrnak scored his 45th of the season. Tuukka Rask was pulled for Jaroslav Halak. The Bruins showed they had a little life left when Chris Wagner brought them within three goals. Tyler Toffoli responded quickly by scoring his first goal as a Canuck. He followed that up with his second, after the poised Hughes made another flawless pass right on the tape. The Canucks weren’t finished yet, as Jake Virtanen scored his 17th of the year to end the game with a 9-3 victory over their nemesis the Bruins.

Old reliable Alex Edler’s dreams of being a goalie will not be denied. Despite only playing 50 games so far this season, he ranks 5th overall in the NHL in shots blocked with 140. His old partner Chris Tanev is 4th overall with 141. They combined for seven shots blocked tonight.

The Captain’s line since the all-star break has cooled down except for tonight’s performance. In their last 12 games, Loui has resumed his role as an anchor. His only points in that span came tonight. I think it’s time for another second -line shakeup. Tyler Toffoli has had success in the past on a line with Pearson when they played for the Kings. Why not try them with Horvat, who is still searching for that elusive permanent winger? Jake Virtanen would be a great fit to fill Toffoli’s spot on the top line while Boeser is out. Virtanen is goalless in his last 11 games when 5-on-5 and putting him with Petey and Miller may give him the spark he needs to reignite his scoring touch. This leaves Loui, who could be scratched with MacEwen drawing into the lineup in his stead on either the third or fourth lines. Travis Green likes Loui on the second line because he’s defensively responsible but playing on the second line is not the best for Bo.

Troy Stecher starts every season on the bottom pair but always seems to find himself in the top 4 by season’s end.. Macho Man Randy Savage put it best, “But the cream will rise to the top, ooh yeah.” He has shown Travis Green once again he belongs on the second pairing alongside Edler. The Canucks don’t need to trade him for an established., Tyson Barrie-type defender because they already have the Quinntessential defender they covet. Barrie isn’t working out in Toronto because Morgan Rielly plays the role that showcased his prowess in Colorado and his defensive lapses haven’t helped him become a fan favourite. The Avs shipped him out of town so Cayle Makar could have his spot and we all know that Hughes is far superior. Why would he work in Vancouver when Hughes is on the top pairing, running PP1 and playing in situations Barrie needs to succeed?