OFFENSIVE FIREWORKS LIGHT UP THE KINGS
Struggling to score goals and register wins, the Canucks solved both problems last night by shocking Los Angeles at Rogers Arena
There is hope.
There hasn’t been much of it lately for the Vancouver Canucks. But being at home for the first time in three weeks sure seemed to help.
The Canucks blasted the Los Angeles Kings 6-2, led by two-goal performances by Loui Eriksson and Brock Boeser.
For the Canucks’ standout rookie, it was a breakthrough game after going six NHL games without a goal. It felt like 50.
Here is what we learned Tuesday night:
Canucks need some push back
Crushed from behind into the boards, head first, the Canucks’ present and future was left crumpled for a moment or two.
Boeser got up and responded on the ensuing two-man advantage power play by doing what he does best. He scored. It was a savage shot. A booming slapper that just looked, well, angry.
He had every right to be furious. Heck, all the Canucks did. It was a cheap shot from Trevor Lewis and one that many will say needed a response.
They’re not wrong — not when it’s Boeser being targeted. He’s too valuable not to protect and too important not to avenge.
The hit happened on the power play, so the Canucks weren’t readily equipped to do much about it at the time. The problem is, with their lineup, they really don’t have anyone equipped to handle that kind of assignment.
Everything went Canucks’ way
Before the game was six minutes old, the Canucks had three goals. The first period was among their best of the season.
The Canucks outshot the Kings 15-7. It was the Kings who were chasing the play, taking most of the penalties. And, in the third, when the Kings scored and threatened to make it a game, the Canucks challenged the goal. They won that, too.
On review, the play was ruled goalie interference. It was a strange call, considering Jacob Markstrom wasn’t impeded at all while trying to make the save.
He was hit in the mask with a stick, something that happens regularly in the NHL.
Eriksson should thank Horvat
He is among the streakiest players in recent Canucks history.
Eriksson scored two and set up another, giving him three goals and three assists in the past five games.
He seemed to be the biggest beneficiary of Bo Horvat’s return. The sequence that led to his first goal was started by an aggressive Horvat forecheck.
His second was a tap-in. It was set up by Horvat, who made a great toedrag move in the slot before finding Eriksson on the fly.
Power play is fun to watch
There was a time when Alex Edler seemed to be reluctant to pass to Boeser.
That time is past and we are all better for it.
The Canucks’ man advantage unit was a joy to watch on Tuesday.
The Sedins with Boeser, Edler and Horvat displayed some real juice passing the puck around.
And they looked really dangerous. The group created several nice chances in front of the net.
Teams are collapsing on Boeser more than ever, but he’s been very effective in moving the puck across the ice to create openings and space.
Both of the goals he scored were on the power play.
The first came on a rebound after Horvat made a sprawling attempt to punch one in at the goalmouth.
Vanek’s value may be peaking
It was another huge night for Thomas Vanek. He scored. He set up two goals.
The three points give him 35 points in 48 games. Time to make a deal? Some think that could mean he’s worth a first-round pick in a trade before the Feb. 26 deadline.
But, word of warning, last season he had 38 points in 48 games and was essentially traded for a thirdround pick.
Green really likes Del Zotto
Michael Del Zotto has been on the ice for more goals against than any Canucks defenceman.
His team faces more scoring chances against than all but a few NHL defenceman.
His coach, however, loves the way he’s playing.
In a Sportsnet 650 radio interview, Green provided a full-throated defence of Del Zotto, explaining why he keeps playing and others, including Ben Hutton, have been a healthy scratch.
In the interview, Green said Del Zotto leads his team in hits and is up there in blocked shots.
Some analysts think this can be a sign the player’s team doesn’t have the puck enough.
Green reasoned that it’s a sign of competitiveness.
Del Zotto kind of let his coach down on the Kings’ first goal.
The play started with an icing. After the ensuing defensive zone faceoff, Del Zotto was caught high and along the boards, leaving Los Angeles centre Alex Iafallo wide open in the slot.