For the second night in a row, the Canucks couldn’t hold a lead and struggled to counter punch
Just look at how well things have gone defensively in four of their last five games, including Thursday’s 1-1 win/loss against the Golden Knights.
Once again, the Canucks did lots of good things in their own end against Vegas.
But for the second night in a row, they couldn’t hold a lead and struggled to counter punch.
It’s the counter punching that’s become a concern.
It’s about the rest of the defence corps, who are defensively competent but offensively mediocre.
There’s a reason why the Canucks are looking around for a higher-end defenceman who could help with the puck-moving question.
A great start
Slowly but surely, it seem the Canucks are getting their starts sorted out.
Roaring favourites
But look at how the Golden Knights surged in the second period onward.
They’re 12-3 at home now, the best home record in the NHL.
They’ve scored nearly four goals per game at home. That’s going to get you a lot of wins.
Zeros
How many long shots add up to a good scoring chance?
Zero.
Just like his shots on goal against Vegas.
Zero.
Just like his scoring record from the past five games.
Zero goals.
Zero assists.
You’re nothing without your best players.
More zeros
He hasn’t scored since returning to the lineup.
He did have 10 games away from the team, but did you know his last five on five goal was Oct. 26? (He has two empty netters since.)
This team is going nowhere if it can’t score.
Floater
Kevin Lankinen has been so good this season.
But he’s had some flaws. Long shots is one.
That goal scored by Alex Pietrangelo? That didn’t help. The Canucks didn’t lose because of it…but it didn’t help.
Ideally, of course, the Canucks would score their way past that.
NEXT GAME
Saturday
7 p.m., Rogers Arena, TV: ESPN Pacific, Radio: Sportsnet 650