FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
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Boeser’s wrist isn’t the problem
Brock Boeser turned 21 on Sunday and while the focus was on a nagging right wrist that was injured Feb. 8 and kept the winger out one game, he’s more concerned about his total game than just leading all rookies in goals. “I need to get back to the basics and help the team if I’m not scoring,” said Boeser. “The wrist is manageable, but I have to compete and move my feet and that’s been a problem with me lately.”
Will Hutton learn from tough love?
Ben Hutton isn’t the first young player to go through adversity, but being scratched four straight games and in seven of the last 15 before returning Sunday was a physical and mental test. He was challenged to become a better pro on and off the ice, and be consistent. “Adversity is going to come in everyone’s career — if it doesn’t that’s a heck of a career,” said Hutton. “It’s how you face the ups-and-downs.”
Which Nilsson will show up?
Anders Nilsson had two shutouts in October. He was outplaying Jacob Markstrom. He had a huge win in Nashville on Nov. 30. He then came crashing down in December with three losses in just four starts, including being hooked after one period. He was pulled after two periods Friday in Las Vegas after allowing five goals on 25 shots. His positioning was off and he was beaten glove side and short side.
No freebies after trade deadline
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Travis Green is expected to give prospects in Utica, N.Y., a look in the final 20 games of the season. But it will be on a merit basis because entitlement can’t creep into any culture. “It’s not black-and-white and a lot of guys have put a lot of heart and soul into the season,” said Green. “I want to play the young guys, but I’m adamant that they play well to play. Nothing is going to be given. It has to be earned.”
Canucks see youth being served
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The Arizona Coyotes had won six of their last eight games before facing the Canucks on Sunday. Green witnessed what a focused young group can achieve despite being the league’s cellar-dweller. “A new coach who has new ideas and systems and they’re grasping it a lot better lately,” said Green. “They’re trying to push forward like us.”