Postgame: We’re Not Going Streaking, Canucks Fall 2-1
4 years ago
The Canucks paid a visit to Wells Fargo Center to face the floundering Flyers who have just one win in their last six games. The Canucks were looking to build on a pair of wins which included an impressive triumph over the league-leading Capitals.
Unlike the Canucks, the Flyers were looking to bounce back from an ugly loss in a game that saw them hold the lead with under four minutes to play against a lowly Flames team.
From the puck drop to Quinn Hughes whiffing on a shot with one second to go, the Canucks seemed a bit off tonight. With minutes left to play in the third, John Shorthouse summed it up perfectly, saying the Canucks looked casual all game.
JT Miller got things started by scoring off a nice passing play from Bo Horvat and Zack MacEwan. It was only the 8th time in 25 games this season that the Canucks hit the scoresheet first.
Unfortunately, the Canucks weren’t able to build a lead or any momentum after the Miller goal. Instead, the Flyers responded with noticeably more energy following the intermission where I imagine Alain Vigneault pleaded with his group to win this one for him.
A scramble in the slot eventually let to a Sean Couturier marker. It was a culmination of the pressure from the Flyers in the middle frame. The home team won the shot battle in that period 17-4 but Demko stood tall, allowing the Canucks to begin the third tied.
At 1-1, the scoreboard said the Canucks had a chance, but their play in the third period didn’t give the same impression. The Flyers didn’t play a flawless game by any means, but they were good enough to hold the Canucks to 4 shots in the third and take the two points in the final meeting between the two teams.
Lines
Travis Green iced the same lineup we saw in Washington which is surprising considering Alex Edler’s injury that forced him to leave in the first period of last game. Specifics of the injury sustained by Edler weren’t publicly mentioned but ultimately he was good enough to go for this one.
Jay Beagle missed his second straight due to a lower-body ailment, allowing Tyler Graovac to get another look.
Jacob Markstrom got the night off after three consecutive starts, allowing Thatcher Demko to make his 9th start of the season.
Highlights
Stats
Game Notes
- While Miller provided a much needed spark on the second line with Horvat and MacEwan, the other two-thirds of the Lotto Line certainly struggled without him. It’s great to see Miller help his teammates hit the scoresheet, but whatever top-six line doesn’t have the talented winger will have to figure out how to generate their own offense.
- Elias Pettersson saw a lot of Couturier in this game. In the battle between the great two-way centers, Pettersson had a tough go. The star Canuck severely lost the Corsi and expected goal battle to the veteran and couldn’t get into much of an offensive rhythm.
- Although Miller started the night on Horvat’s line, when Travis Green needed a goal with under ten minutes to go in the game, he reunited the Lotto Line.
- The PP was red hot coming into this one, but their great play came to a halt as they were only able to record one shot on two powerplays. Zone entries were a real problem and neither unit was able to get set up for the most part.
- Tanner Pearson was nearly invisible, which is especially concerning when you think about the opportunity given to him. I’m a fan of the player, but when you’re put on the top line you have to take advantage of it and he simply wasn’t able to tonight.
- Some TOI numbers that stood out are Gaudette’s average shift length at 5 on 5 of 0:34 and Miller’s team-leading 23:43.
Top Performers
- Demko’s play as a back up this year can’t be understated. In a role that’s obviously not easy on goalies, he put together another terrific game. His highlight of the night was the following save Philippe Myers in the third period to hold his team in it.
- JT Miller had another strong game and was the catalyst to yet another line as he finished with a team-high 8 shots. I’m starting to think that Green can plug him in anywhere in the lineup and he will find success.
- Jamie Benn quietly had a great game relative to his past performances. The pairing of Benn and Troy Stecher had a couple of failed clearing attempts but ultimately finished with the highest 5 on 5 Corsi and 14 shots combined.v
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