At Tuesday's practice, the Vancouver Canucks showcased some new forward lines that could be on display Wednesday versus the Anaheim Ducks. The most notable was Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua moving up and onto a line with center Elias Pettersson. While the trio has played fewer than 30 minutes together over the past three seasons, this combination has the potential to help Pettersson out of his slump and guide Vancouver to the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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To simplify, this line has potential because both Pettersson and Joshua have chemistry with Garland. Both have played beside Garland for over 500 minutes at even strength since the start of the 2022-23 season, with both duos recording a GF% of over 56%. Below is a look at some of the stats since the start of the 2022-23 season when Grland plays beside Joshua as well as next to Pettersson, according to Natural Stat Trick:
Focusing strictly on Garland and Pettersson, the duo have had some strong chemistry this season. They have played 254:49 at even-strength this season and hold a 122-96 shots advantage. The duo have also won the high-danger scoring chances battle 51-30 and, most importantly, have outscored the opposition 9-7.
In the end, finding a spark for Pettersson has to be the organization's main priority. Not only is it crucial for this season, as the Canucks are fighting for a playoff spot, but in the future, as Pettersson is signed until 2032. Based on Garland and Joshua's play styles, putting this trio together could work wonders and help return the Swedish center to his Selke-level form.
Fans in Vancouver will potentially get their first look at this line against the Ducks on Wednesday. This Pacific Division battle with be the Canucks final before the 2025 trade deadline, which is on March 7 at noon PT. Game time for Wednesday's match is scheduled for 7:30 pm PT from Rogers Arena.
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