With a 3-1 triumph over the Blues, the Canucks have now won 12 of their last 15, and 9 in a row at home. The Blues, on the other hand, have been unable to right the ship, and their winless streak has now extended to three games.
In their third and final meeting, both teams entered sitting first in their respective divisions, seeking the season series win, and
like the all-star weekend, it was the club from the Pacific division that emerged victorious.
The Canucks were once again outshot, but found a way to win regardless. They are now 12-0-0 when outshot at home. This time it was a couple of high danger chances and stellar goaltending that came through against a very tough Blues squad.
Neither club had played since January 18th, and it was evident early on. Passes weren’t as sharp and sustained pressure didn’t come easily. A number of chances came off broken plays, including the first goal from the Blues.
However, both teams eventually settled in. This was especially true for the home team, who took the lead in the middle frame. The Canucks played better before eventually relying on Thatcher Demko heavily. They closed the game on the back of Demko as the Blues made pushes one would expect from the division-leading champions.
The Canucks found a way to win, but they shouldn’t be too pleased with getting outshot 37-25.
Lines
Travis Green opted to run with the same lineup we saw against the Sharks prior to the break. Due to the recent string of success, it’s been some time since we have seen any major shakeup to the lines. The lineup decision also meant that Thatcher Demko would start his second straight game.
Highlights
Zach Sanford got the scoring started 3:06 in after a Quinn Hughes turnover. David Perron had the takeaway and managed to feed it to an open Sanford, while being hooked on the play.
The Canucks’ first tally belongs to J.T. Miller, who was set up nicely in the slot from a feed from Chris Tanev. The goal couldn’t have happened without some solid board play from Adam Gaudette.
Miller does it again with help from his linemates off the rush. That’s two smart plays from Jake Virtanen, who looked a lot better in transition in the last 4o minutes.
Stats
Game Notes
  • Although the Canucks were outshot by 12, they finished with 3 more high-danger shot attempts.
  • Both teams went 0/3 on their powerplays.
  • Brock Boeser extended his career-long pointless streak to five games.
  • As the great Thomas Drance noted, tonight was Loui Eriksson’s 14 consecutive game in the lineup.
Top Performers
  • Demko was excellent, stopping 36 of 37 shots. When the Canucks were on their heels, he stood tall. He capped off a perfect third period, when the Canucks were most under seige, with a showstopping save on Jaden Schwarts. The Canucks don’t win this one without that performance from him.
  • Miller was a catalyst for the Canucks. His impressive motor, not stalled by the 9-day break, was on full display once again. He scored the two Canuck goals and finished with three shots.
  • Virtanen looked good once again tonight. What many thought to be a short term experiment on the top line has now lasted four games. The forward finished the night with two assists.
  • Bo Horvat didn’t hit the scoresheet, but he was noticeable with five shots and some of the more high-danger chances among Canuck forwards.