Vancouver are now 6-0-1 in their last seven games.
The Vancouver Canucks (22-9-2) played one of their most complete games of the season as they defeated the Nashville Predators (18-14) 5-2 on Thursday night. Not only were the Canucks able to end Jusse Saros' six-game win streak, but they ended his night early after scoring five goals on 24 shots. With the victory, Vancouver sweeps the season series and is now a perfect 19-0 when leading after two periods.
Tonight's game was the perfect example of how the Canucks need to play the rest of the season. They blocked 17 shots, were credited with 16 takeaways, and were the more dominant team at even strength. Overall, it was an impressive game from start to finish against not just one of the hottest teams but arguably the hottest goaltender in the league.
Here is what head coach Rick Tocchet had to say postgame about Vancouver's play:
"I thought from the first period we were really connected. I liked our breakouts. I thought each line did something. We had some good plays from different lines. I liked our D; I just liked our overall play. That team's 13-3, that's a hot team, and I thought, for the most part, we were really good tonight."
Outside of the power play not scoring, it is hard to find flaws in the Canucks game. All four lines scored, Quinn Hughes got back on the scoresheet after going three games without a point, and Casey DeSmith was once again solid, stopping 26 of the 28 shots he faced. If Vancouver can put together more efforts like this one in Nashville, they will be considered a contender heading into the postseason.
Stats and Facts
- Quinn Hughes becomes the first defenceman in franchise history to hit 40 points in fewer than 40 games
- The Canucks become the first team in the NHL with three players above 40 points (Quinn Hughes, Elias Pettersson and J.T. Miller)
- Elias Pettersson records his 98th career multi-point game, which passes J.T. Miller for 11th on the Canucks all-time list
- Quinn Hughes ties Jyrki Lumme for the second most multi-point games in franchise history by a defenceman with 67
Game Summary
1st Period
VAN: 16:38- Elias Pettersson (13th) from Ilya Mikheyev and Pius Suter
VAN: 17:09- Nils Åman (1st)
2nd Period
NSH: 14:23- Jeremy Lauzon (3rd) from Luke Evangelista and Tommy Novak
VAN: 14:38- Nils Höglander (10th) from Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek
VAN: 15:24- Pius Suter (5th) from Ilya Mikheyev and Elias Pettersson
3rd Period
VAN: 1:16- Teddy Blueger (4th) from Quinn Hughes
NSH: 19:48- Cody Glass (1st) from Craig Smith
Canucks Next Opponent
The Canucks now head to Dallas to wrap up their road trip with a game against the Stars. The last time these two faced off was early November when Vancouver skated away with a 2-0 victory. Game time is set for 5:00 pm PT from the American Airlines Center.
