Lindholm, Canucks intend to build off incredible buzz
Fans were rocking as deadline pickup made his presence felt in series opener
VANCOUVER CANUCKS VS. NASHVILLE PREDATORS
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific
Radio: Sportsnet 650
The buzz: They revved up the amped-up faithful with a riveting pre-game video. They brought back the iconic U2 theme song from the 2011 playoff run as the Canucks took the ice. The decibel meter hit new heights and the home side responded by gathering its game for a memorable 4-2 victory in the series opener on Sunday.
“I've never seen anything like it,” said Canucks captain Quinn Hughes. “It was pretty special, especially for me being here for five years to see the support. It was electric.”
Dakota Joshua went one better. “It was a spectacle,” he said. What can they all do for an encore tonight?
The fans will bring their “A” game. And the Canucks will make adjustments, but head coach Rick Tocchet may have already found one vital tweak to success.
Elias Lindholm played as advertised in Game 1. His line was matched against the Predators' top trio centred by the playoff-proven Ryan O'Reilly and more than met the challenge. It afforded advantageous matchups for J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson.
Lindholm ripped a wrist shot past goalie Juuse Saros in the opening minute of the second period to draw the Canucks even at 1-1. He also fought through a heavy end-boards check in the third period to start the scoring sequence on Joshua's game-winner.
Lindholm finished with five hits and won nine of 15 faceoffs (60 per cent efficiency).
“That's why we acquired him,” said Tocchet. “He had a really good 200-foot game.”
Lindholm scored twice in his Canucks debut earlier this year, but then struggled. There were rumours of flipping him at the trade deadline, and was then sidelined for seven games with a wrist injury. He had to gather himself.
“It was a pretty solid game from our group,” Lindholm said Sunday in passing the praise. “We stuck with it and got rewarded. It was nice to score, especially in front of the fans here, but it doesn't matter who scores. I'm just trying to help a little bit.”
Lindholm's complete effort and how he has handled hard times since being acquired from the Flames has impressed Tocchet.
“I didn't see panic in his game,” lauded the bench boss. “I just love his demeanour. He knows how to play these kind of games. I was never worried about him. He knows what to do out there in pressure situations.”
The hero: Every spring, somebody emerges from the shadows to command the playoff spotlight. Dakota Joshua was always a good bet. Big, strong, aggressive and some pretty soft hands.
He scored twice Sunday, and his winner was about drive, positioning and finishing a Conor Garland feed. His two goals, three points and six hits spoke volumes.
“It's part of the feeling-out process,” said Joshua. “You make adjustments, and one was clogging up their breakouts. That was a big part of my goal. The building was rocking all night and we're going to need them (fans) on this ride. It means a lot to us to know they have our backs through it all.”
The hope: A power play that looks so good on paper — and so tentative to find the prettiest perfect goal — had just two shots on two failed opportunities in Game 1. The Harlem Globetrotters show needs to be replaced by greasy, down-low grind, screens and tips.
The fear: Four needless penalties Sunday gave the Predators ample opportunity to connect more than once on the power play. An improved penalty kill was a critical factor in killing three straight power plays.
The wounded: Canucks: Nothing to report. Predators: Nothing to report.
The quote: “The emotions are high. Bring on the pain. You're going to have to go through some stuff to get the ultimate prize.” — Dakota Joshua
The prediction: The Canucks take fewer penalties and get some pop from the power play. They strike once and get an empty-netter for another 4-2 win.