Hoglander had two good scoring opportunities Tuesday — a short-side snap shot and hard charge to the net — and blocked a shot. He also stayed out of the penalty box.
In 10-pin bowling, converting the 7-10 split is akin to scoring a generational highlight-reel goal.
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It requires a powerful and precise delivery to convert the spare. Striking one corner pin in the proper spot, having it bang off the back wall and bounce or roll across the lane to take out the other corner pin, is just as hard as it sounds.
The success rate is one out of every 145 attempts, which is a minuscule 0.7 per cent.
The fascinating rookie was aligned with Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson and had an immediate impact after making the tough transition from Sweden to a new environment and new game.
Hoglander responded with 27 points (13-24) in the COVID-19 shortened 56-game season after starting 2020-21 at home in 23 games with Rogle BK of the SHL. His dedication and progress led to a career-high 24 goals last season and belief that he had staked a long-term roster spot.
However, there’s always the stark reality that a lack of sustainability can send a career into the gutter. Hoglander was demoted to Abbotsford of the AHL in December of 2022 to get his game in order.
To his credit, the 5-foot-9, 185 pound second-round draft pick of 2019 did the work. But the sands have shifted.
Hoglander, 23, is the subject of trade speculation because he’s struggling with a bad combination of a lack of production and discipline.
His two goals are the least of forwards here since the outset of this season — he hasn’t scored in 19 games — and his nine minor penalties are the most of any club forward. Losing trust of the head coach can be even harder to overcome. However, he may have gained a measure of it Tuesday.
Hoglander had two good scoring opportunities — a short-side snap shot and a hard charge to the net — and also blocked a shot in 13:34 of ice time during a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild. He also stayed out of the penalty box. Was it enough to move the meter? Maybe.
A penchant for taking bad penalties — hooks and holds coming out of the offensive zone and needless engagements in all zones — carried over to Sunday in Detroit. Hoglander took a needless offensive-zone tripping infraction that led to the tying goal to a 2-2 goal and further test Tocchet’s patience.
The Canucks are at the crossroads.
Do they give up on a young player who has attractive term — expiring US$1.1 million salary cap and then three years at $3 million annually — or can they be patient? Hoglander’s age and affordability have caught the attention of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Columbus Blue Jackets, who must believe he can get back to at least 20 goals.
Most importantly, the Canucks remain in go-for-it mode.
Despite a series of roster setbacks, they’re back in the Pacific Division title hunt and are better for the experience of going two playoff rounds last spring. It’s the true test of mettle and it’s why the Canucks added battle-tested free agent Jake DeBrusk to show up when it really matters.
He has 27 goals in 86 career playoff games and led the Boston Bruins with 11 points (5-6) in 13 games last spring. Hoglander had mixed results.
Hoglander did respond with his lone post-season goal in Game 6 — after playing just 8:34 in Game 5 — and he did log a playoff-high 12:47 in Game 7. So, what do we make of all this? Do the Canucks make a trade for a more veteran presence or stand pat?
Tocchet has admired Hoglander’s fitness level and desire to play hard. But he has to play smart.
“I root for guys like Hoglander,” Tocchet once said. “That’s why I talk about being first on the forecheck, make sure you’re in the right positions, and then go and just play the game. The one thing he gives me is effort and his understanding that he wants to do it.
“Do we have to get his hockey I.Q. up? Of course, he’ll tell you that. He’s got to start hitting the net and getting more offence.”
Will that be enough to keep him here? Stay tuned.