Pettersson’s responsible play in his own zone started as a Calder Trophy winner and remains a staple of his two-way game. Read more.
Pettersson’s responsible play in his own zone started as a Calder Trophy winner and remains a staple of his two-way game that may warrant more Selke Trophy votes and added attention from several supposed suitors.
On a night where Pettersson did his dekes, drew a key penalty and had scoring chances in an impressive and much-needed 3-0 victory over the Maple Leafs, it was the other end of the ice where his play was applauded.
“He didn’t press forward. He knew that was going to happen. He was just excellent.”
“We got the momentum right away and just got more juice from that,” said Pettersson. “I liked our effort and everybody was chipping in.”
Pettersson considers himself more of a playmaker than a sniper, and while that’s admirable, a lack of production with that heavy one-timer slapper has been a problem. He has 10 goals and 29 points in 36 games.
His slow start to the season — no goals in the first six games and just one in his first 10 go with three assists — led to Tocchet’s tact to chip away at Pettersson.
He needed better practice habits and being stronger in 3-on-3 drills should transcend to games.
And whether it was coincidence, or something of significance in a widely reported disconnect with Miller, they’ve thrived when one of them is not on the ice.
Pettersson put up 15 points (2-13) in 10 games when Miller was on a personal leave of absence. Pettersson’s level of satisfaction was evident in tone and body language.
Pettersson scored a pair of goals on Dec. 23, the same night he suffered an upper-body injury and missed six games, and regaining his scoring touch is crucial to the Canucks having a strong second half. He had just one goal in 12 games before the two-goal night.
Here’s what the Canucks are facing this week:
Canucks vs. Jets
When and where: Tuesday, 5 p.m. | Canada Life Centre
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Chemistry class in session
Who to watch: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck
The reigning Vezina Trophy winner is getting a leg up on repeating the honour. He recorded his sixth shutout of the season Saturday to equal his franchise mark set in 2017-18 in 67 games and matched in 2019-20 in 58 games, Through 34 games, he led the NHL in wins (26), goals-against average (2.02), saves percentage (.928) and shutouts.
Canucks vs. Kings
When and where: Thursday, 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: Sportsnet. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Kings reign in many ways
Consistency and versatility make the Kings a tough outing. They’ve won 13 of their last 17 games by piling up goals or prevailing in low-event, one-goal games against the elite. They’re tied with the Jets for stinginess and it took 31 saves by Flames rookie Dustin Wolf on Saturday to backstop a 2-1 win. The Kings outshot the Flames 17-4 in the first period.
Who to watch: Right-winger Adrian Kempe
The Kings don’t have a player in the top 35 of league scoring, but Kempe has already hit the 20-goal plateau. The speedster had a six-game points streak stopped Saturday, despite five shots and eight attempts. His chemistry with centre Anze Kopitar is a big reason for the first line flourishing on most nights.
Canucks vs. Oilers
When and where: Saturday, 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: Sportsnet, HNIC. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Avenging embarrassing no-show
There’s never a lack of incentive to overcome the Oilers. The Canucks were hammered 7-3 on Nov. 9 in a home-ice Hockey Night in Canada mismatch, a stark reminder of what occurs when allowing superstar players time and space. The Oilers scored twice in the opening four minutes and four-straight times in the third period.
Who to watch: Centre Leon Draisaitl
His stats sheet reads like a hot stock-market commodity. Draisaitl leads the NHL in goals (31) game-winning goals (9) and overtime goals (4). His gaudy 23.7 per cent shooting accuracy is a product of quickly converting passes from his sweet shooting spot at the dot to pick short the short side.