CANUCKS GAMEDAY

MINNESOTA vs. VANCOUVER

Game 3, 11:30 a.m., Rogers Place (Edmonton), TV: Sportsnet, Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME 1 Defence doesn’t rest

The Canucks have not given up an evenstrength series goal and Alex Edler was a reason in Game 1. He logged 24:06, including 7:23 on the penalty kill that went 6-for-6. He also had two shots, four hits and three blocks. “I'm seeing the puck,” goalie Jacob Markstrom said. “Guys are doing a great job boxing out.”

2 More better Boeser

A healthy, fit and faster Boeser came to camp on a mission. His first career playoff goal Tuesday came from getting to the net and depositing a deft slot redirect pass by Pettersson. Boeser also slipped a blind backhand feed to Pettersson and was feeling it. “Our group plays better when we're emotionally into it,” Boeser said.

3 More power in play

A 1-for-8 power-play stat through two games looks demoralizing. The Canucks went 0-for-1 in Game 1 and didn't draw enough advantages because they didn't get to the inside. In Game 2, they had entry troubles early but then used speed, better puck movement and net presence for Horvat's PP tip.

4 More Fiala attention

Kevin Fiala has played as advertised with three goals in the first two series games. He beat Markstrom with two memorable regular-season goals and scored in nine of the Wild's final 11 games. On Tuesday, his two late goals turned a sure win into a nail-biting finish.

5 More blue-line discipline

Tyler Myers took three consecutive penalties in Game 2. Troy Stecher took a pair and Chris Tanev had one. The willing Wild forces the issue on the forecheck, but the Canucks can't keep coughing up power-play chances.