Leivo has ‘jaw dropping’ day with Pettersson and Boeser
ST. LOUIS — Josh Leivo had the best view for the magic show Sunday.
The Vancouver Canucks winger was on the ice for Brock Boeser’s hat trick performance and four of the five points that Elias Pettersson produced in a 6-1 rout of the St. Louis Blues.
“I think my jaw dropped a couple of times,” said Leivo, who had no points, but was credited with a plus-4 afternoon. “It was fun to watch those guys and maybe I can chip in next game. I know to get in front of the net and maybe get the puck back to them and let them play around with it.”
Especially if Pettersson has the puck because he’s just as likely to buy time to find an open linemate instead of unleashing a heavy and accurate shot. He has 15 goals in 26 games but his 30 points speak to the rookie’s creativity and versatility.
“He’s amazing,” added Leivo. “He’s creative and he gets his time and space by his shiftiness because players are respecting him from what he’s already been able to do. I’m probably just going to go to the net and let him pass to Boeser and hopefully it hits me or I can screen the goalie.
“I’m going to keep it simple and let these guys fool around.”
Boeser’s second goal gave the Canucks a three-goal cushion and it came because Jacob Markstrom made a tough save off Vladimir Tarasenko and the defensive-diligent Pettersson was back to trigger the transition.
“A good defensive play and we got a 2-on-1 and any time Petey gets the puck on his stick, he can make passes that most guys can’t,” said Boeser. “You always have to be ready.”
That said, five-point games are rare and Travis Green knew the significance of a second five-pointer by Pettersson.
“He’s got the making of a real special player,” said the Canucks coach. “It was one of those nights where like a lot of good players, he can almost do it quietly and subtly and make good passes and he has a shooter on his line now. He’s a smart player. Even when we had the lead, he wasn’t trying to push or press for more points and when you do that, good things happen.”
However, playing on the line is no free ride.
Green likes Leivo’s size and strength and ability to hang on to the puck down low. But he has to do more than that.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and he’s got to make the most of it,” said Green. “We’re looking for a guy to put in an honest effort and he has to work hard to stay on that line and provide what he can.”