Pettersson says he must play with confidence
1 Pettersson's plight:
So far this season Elias Pettersson has more penalty minutes (four) than points (one) and was fined US$3,987.07 for slashing Sean Monahan on Monday. The centre is a plus-3, has 11 shots and has hit crossbars, posts and had two sticks snap on scoring chances. Said Pettersson: “I'm not playing with the best confidence.”
2 Killing them softly:
Bad penalties, bad turnovers and bad penalty killing. The Canucks gave Calgary seven power plays Monday. The Canucks have surrendered a league-high 21 power plays and seven goals. Said coach Travis Green: “Penalties and turnovers. It's a bad combination. It's a frustrated team and we should be disappointed.”
3 Simplify power play:
From fourth overall last season to 0-for15 through four games is quite the slide. There have been good looks and bad breaks, but a penchant for setting up perfect cross-ice passes for one-timers — and not causing screening havoc for opposition goalies — is keeping the club from unleashing its most potent weapon.
4 Goalie steals game:
Newcomer Braden Holtby and returnee Thatcher Demko both have had adventurous moments in the net this season. The best way to bail the Canucks out of a three-game losing steak — predicated by poorly defended penalty kills — is to stone the potent Canadiens offence, who are averaging four goals per game.
5 No love for Toffoli:
Former Canucks winger Tyler Toffoli bolted to the Habs in free agency. His playmaking on the third line has been good.