Pettersson’s productivity, pace pose problems for Kings

Elias Pettersson vs. Drew Doughty

Pettersson is not only coming off a three-assist effort Monday in a 7-2 rout of Florida, the centre has amassed eight points (1-7) in his last four games. That’s going to give Doughty fits because Pettersson is playing with speed through the neutral zone and isn’t stagnant or predictable when he enters playmaking or shooting lanes. And he isn’t burdened by draws — he didn’t take any Monday — with J.T. Miller on his line and winning six of 10 faceoffs against the Panthers.

Doughty was minus-3 when the Kings were clobbered 8-2 at Rogers Arena on Oct. 9. Pettersson scored that night, had six shot attempts and won 75 per cent of his draws.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1.

Markstrom makes most of reset Jacob Markstrom could have got the cage Monday. It’s normal to go right back to your starter after a sub-par performance — five goals on 29 shots Friday — but the luxury of being able to deploy two capable stoppers saw Thatcher Demko get the call Monday. He responded with a 29-save effort against the Panthers while Markstrom got the physical and mental break.

2.

Less meaning more for captain Bo Horvat is on a four-game points streak with three goals and four helpers. He’s also on a run of reduced ice time and played a season-low 15:18 on Monday. The Canucks think his sweet spot is 19-20 minutes. On Oct. 22 in Detroit, he logged 18:10 and had his first career hat trick. Horvat doesn’t kill penalties and with just two power plays Monday, he had 2:27 of PP1 time.

3.

Schaller keeps goal perspective Four goals in three games is impressive, especially when they come from a fourth-liner who looked lost a year ago. Tim Schaller has four goals, one more than he managed in 47 games last season, and the more they’re of the nonhighlight-reel variety, the better. Schaller’s job is simple: Forecheck and frustrate.

4.

Ferland goes bump in the night Micheal Ferland had two primary assists and three hits Monday. The big winger doesn’t get enough credit for his playmaking ability, but his calling card on this trip has to be playing physical. He leads the Canucks in hits with 30.

5.

Virtanen maintains consistency The manner in which Jake Virtanen is using his speed, hanging on to pucks longer to make better decisions and getting to the net has resulted in a pleasing spurt of three goals in the winger’s last three games.