COLUMBUS CALLING
Setting up Canucks-Jackets clash
THE BIG MATCHUP
Pettersson vs. The World
The manner in which Elias Pettersson, the NHL’s player of the week, has transitioned to the North American game and ice surface with a pair of five-point outings in his first 26 games is mind boggling. The franchise record for points in a game is seven, by Patrik Sundstrom in 1984. It’s a good bet Pettersson will chase that mark.
FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
1.
The sudden lords of discipline. Two games and just two penalties. The Canucks were the second most-penalized team and are now fourth because the best way to prop up a 27th-ranked penalty kill is to stay out of the box. A double high-sticking minor to Erik Gudbranson on Sunday and a slashing penalty to Alex Edler on Thursday against the Nashville Predators were the only infractions in the last two outings.
2.
Boeser has a laugh, a hat trick. Getting Brock Boeser into the bumper spot to help the winger net his first power-play goal was the plan. Putting a puck off a skate, the glass and the goalie wasn’t the plan Sunday, but Boeser couldn’t help but laugh at his good fortune. He had seven shot attempts, his second career hat trick and his pace and quick release on the second goal bodes well because he looks healthy, fit and focused to build on nine goals in 19 games.
3.
Another starter, another chase? The Canucks have chased a trio of red-hot stoppers — Jake Allen, Pekka Rinne and Jaroslav Halak — and if the struggling Sergei Bobrovsky (3.14 GAA., .898 save percentage) gets the call, he might get overwhelmed because the Canucks are back to a speed game that produced four wins in their first six games.
4.
Never ever dull with Tortorella. Former Canucks coach John Tortorella has been battling the flu and even sported a hoodie to stay warm behind the bench. But what got the Blue Jackets coach hot under the collar was getting blanked 4-0 on home ice Saturday by the Washington Capitals.
5.
Leivo must be fine.
Josh Leivo is big and strong and can provide screens and tips. The left winger is also playing with Pettersson and Boeser, so there’s a level of expectation to pot the odd goal. Sven Baertschi wore a non-contact jersey and didn’t do line rushes Monday, but following post-concussion recovery, he’ll eventually push for a roster spot.