Pettersson, Hughes key to unlocking offence

1 Back to basics:

Did Sunday's practice address myriad problems? After Saturday's 5-2 loss to Montreal, the Canucks had given up the third-most turnovers in the NHL with 60. They were also first in penalties (38), most PP goals against (9), most PP chances (34) and goals given up at even strength (20).

2 Pettersson's momentum:

Elias Pettersson unleashed early power play shots on Saturday that went off the shoulder of Carey Price and hit the post. Pettersson then scored his first goal of the NHL season with a deft slot deflection of Jordie Benn's point shot as the centre started moving better playing more on instinct.

3 Hughes takes aim:

The Canucks ranked second Sunday in points by defencemen (17), but only Tyler Myers and Nate Schmidt have scored from the back end. Quinn Hughes led NHL blueliners with 21 shots after Saturday, but the PP1 QB needs to start picking corners. He had eight goals last season.

4 Net gain or loss?:

Thatcher Demko and Matt Murray are struggling early. Demko has given up 16 goals and is 0-3-0 with a league's second worst 5.47 GAA, to go with an .866 saves percentage. Murray is 1-2-1 and has allowed 14 goals with a 3.79 GAA and .880 saves percentage.

5 Pressuring the Sens:

Winless in fourth straight, Ottawa took bad penalties Saturday in a 6-3 loss at Winnipeg. With third most infractions at 31 as of Sunday, the Senators are vulnerable with a poor penalty kill. The Canucks need to draw penalties, allow first unit to strike after going 0-for-3 Saturday.