The Canucks are finding out the hard way that objects in the rear-view mirror are closer than they appear.
There are warning signs on the rocky road to the NHL playoffs.
An inability to shoot and actually hit the net can send you into the ditch. So can blowing leads and not having the pace or push to rally from deficits when trailing after two periods. However, the biggest danger signs are being easy to play against, not having the confidence to overcome adversity, and overtime ineffectiveness.
A sobering 6-3 loss in Seattle on Saturday was the latest sign of disturbing times. Allowing another lead to disappear and dropping to 0-17-4 when trailing after two periods has brought more concern.
Hughes got up slowly and kept playing but was vulnerable defensively and limited offensively. He kept stretching and rotating at the bench to try and alleviate stiffness, but after a shift midway through the final period he was parked at end of the bench.
“I thought we had a pretty good game, they (Kraken) had three tipped goals,” started Tocchet. “We had a couple of posts and breakaways, and the moments are there, we just couldn’t capitalize. You’re looking to play under pressure.”
It also said something when Hockey Night in Canada analyst Kevin Bieksa, an ardent long time observer and supporter of the franchise, cut to the chase in his post-game assessment.
“There’s just a lot going on in Vancouver right now,” said Bieksa. “Their best player by far (Hughes) is banged up and it takes a lot time to get back to 100 per cent with an oblique. The team just doesn’t have the same bite. It’s not a hard team to play against right now.”
The pressure to produce can result in abandoning defensive structure, especially after blowing leads.
Then again, they are far from their once-dominant presence on home ice with a 11-10-7 mark.
Here is what awaits in the coming week:
Canucks vs. Ducks
Why watch: Build a lead, keep a lead
Who to watch: Right winger Frank Vatrano
At age 30, Vatrano hasn’t lost any velocity or accuracy on his shot. He started the Ducks rally Thursday and finished with four shots, six attempts and three hits. The Ducks have won six of their last 10 games (6-3-1) and Vatrano leads the club with 18 goals and 186 shots.
Canucks vs. Wild
When and where: Friday, 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena
TV: Sportsnet Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650
Why watch: Boldy is one that got away?
Who to watch: Right winger Gustav Nyquist
A second stint with the Wild after being acquired Saturday from Nashville. He’s 35, but had 23 goals last season. Should help fill a void with Kirill Kaprizov and Joel Eriksson Ek out. Kaprizov had surgery in late January and his recovery has taken longer. He leads the Wild with 23 goals in 37 games.