DeBrusk scored his second career hat trick Sunday. All 10 of his goals have come on road and he’s developing chemistry with improving Pettersson.
There are booming slapshots off the wing, howitzer’s from the point and sizzling slot shots.
Recommended Videos
However, in today’s NHL game, presence equals production and Jake DeBrusk is a prime example of what a big winger with a big purpose to get to the net can accomplish.
And DeBrusk is taking it to another level because of the kind of goals he scored. He’s big and hard to move. And he’s smart enough to turn a screen into a deft deflection or pivot quickly to find a rebound with some soft hands.
His second career hat-trick Sunday in a 5-4 overtime win a Detroit, capped by an overtime effort that went post and in off a sweet Pettersson feed, was another example of how he can become more dominant.
Known for inconsistency and long scoring droughts, including the first nine games this season without a goal, the percentage of scoring rises as you get closer to the goal. It’s not complicated, but it takes a certain will and considerable skill.
DeBrusk has 10 goals — they’ve all come on the road — and he’s on pace for a career-high 35. He has scored 27 on two occasions.
“When you get two goals that quick (Sunday), and with time left, you have a chance and always think about getting the third,” he admitted. “It wasn’t our prettiest game, but tying it late shows you what this team is becoming.”
And that’s the thing for DeBrusk. Being consistent in getting to the net is going to net more goals. His dad knows that.
“The guy is a hound,” Louie DeBrusk, a former hard-rock NHL winger and current Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada analyst, told Postmedia.
“He’s not easy to play against, he tracks back, blocks shots and can play the penalty kill and power play.
“The most important thing is the kid is a finisher, he can make plays. Jake brings energy and a lot of speed and when he’s buzzing he’ll take over a line.”
Or a game.
Here’s what awaits the Canucks in the next seven days:
Canucks vs. Wild
When and where: Tuesday 5 p.m. | Xcel Energy Center
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Wild about this Wild edition
Minnesota moved into a tie for most points with 36 after 24 games (18-6-0) with an overtime win over Nashville on Saturday to push their recent run to 5-1-1. True to their roots, the Wild is giving up a league low 2.33 goals per game and bolstered its back end Saturday by landing high-coveted defenceman David Jiricek, 21, from Columbus in a multi-asset swap.
Who to watch: Left winger Kirill Kaprizov
Kirill ‘The Thrill’ moved atop the NHL scoring race Saturday with 38 points (15-23) in his first 23 games. The hot-shot Russian has 17 points (8-9) in his last 11 games and at least 100 in two calendar years — 100 (48-52) in 64 games and 117 in 2022 (55-62) — the first player in franchise history to accomplish that feat. Has a trio of 40-goal seasons. Not bad for 2015 fifth-round pick.
Canucks vs. Blue Jackets
When and where: Friday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Rise from terrible tragedy
The off-season death of the engaging and effective Johnny Gaudreau left the franchise in shock. The Blue Jackets were expected to plummet and nobody would raise an eyebrow. However, the club is resilient and doing what Gaudreau always did — fight until the end. They’re 11-9-3 and three points shy a wild-card spot with two games in hand. Stick taps.
Who to watch: Defenceman Zach Werenski
A 24th-rated offence and 20th-rated power play was going to need a spark and it has come from the back end. Werenski, the eighth overall draft pick in 2015, already has eight goals and 26 points through 24 games to sit third in league scoring by blueliners. The effort includes 14 points (4-10) in last six games plus league-leading 25:59 of average ice time.
Canucks vs. Lightning
When and where: Sunday 1 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Don’t sleep on the Bolts
The Florida Panthers are leading the Atlantic Division and have the top sniper in North Van hotshot Sam Reinhart, who has 18 goals and had 57 last season. You never know what to make of the Toronto Maple Leafs and then there’s the Lightning. Nobody lighting it up, a lot of indifferent play, but just five points out of the division lead with two games in hand. Too much talent there.
Who to watch: Winger Nikita Kucherov
Didn’t play Saturday and listed as day-to-day with minor ailment. Canucks should hope it’s week to week. Tied for fifth in league scoring with 34 points (12-22) because he gets to the right place and releases a shot that packs velocity and accuracy. Has 20 points (4-16) in last 13 games.