Pettersson intends to unleash the Terminator against Pens

Canucks C Elias Pettersson vs. Pens G Matt Murray

The Swedish centre didn’t register a shot on Monday in the 2-1 loss at Philadelphia and this ranks as headline news.

Pettersson was coming off a five-shot outing on Saturday afternoon in Washington, where he unleashed that one-timer howitzer from the faceoff dot that goalie Braden Holtby is still trying to find.

Pettersson has been held without a shot on three occasions this NHL season.

When he does find the net, he does damage.

He’s fourth in shots on the team and second only to J.T. Miller in shooting percentage with a 16.1 per cent accuracy rate. And he was 13th in league scoring after 25 games with 29 points (10-19).

The Canucks managed to score first against the Flyers and even managed a rare even-strength goal — they rank 27th in that category — but Pettersson is the weapon they have to unleash.

In today’s game, where there’s a mosh pit at the net in search of tips and rebounds and backdoor feeds, Pettersson can be the Canucks’ version of The Terminator. And he knows that.

“I have to get open, find a lane, and maybe not every game it’s going to be there,” said Pettersson.

“I feel like if there’s a good chance, I’m going to take it. I’m looking to shoot more and not be too cute and trying to find the pass all the time.”

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Will Goldobin join Horvat?

The recalled Nikolay Goldobin has a history with centre Bo Horvat, so the winger might align with the captain. He leads the Utica Comets in scoring with 20 points (8-12) in 18 AHL games and the Canucks are looking for a five-onfive spark.

2. Will battle level return?

Being difficult to play against is key for the Canucks. That’s harder to do when you’re missing centres Brandon Sutter and Jay Beagle. “We can look for all the excuses we want,” said J.T. Miller. “We have to be better than we showed (on Monday).”

3. Will grit equal PP pop?

The Canucks have the most power play goals (27) and the most chances (103) because they can be hard on pucks and difficult to contain. “If you’re willing to get inside and willing to win a puck battle, it’s amazing how many good things come out of that,” said Canucks head coach Travis Green.

4. Will top guns connect?

Jordie Benn had a team-high five shots in Philadelphia. Alex Edler had three and Troy Stecher one. That’s nine of 17 shots from D -men.

5. Will Virtanen find stride?

Forward Jake Virtanen has one goal in his last nine games and just six shots in his last five. If he’s going to chip-and-chase, he has to be first on pucks. If he’s going to use his speed, get to the net and don’t go around it.

INJURIES

Canucks: Jay Beagle (hip, dayto-day), Tyler Motte (foot, IR), Antoine Roussel (knee surgery, LTIR).

Penguins: Sidney Crosby (core muscle, IR), Nick Bjugstad (core muscle, IR), Justin Schultz (lower body, day-to-day).