The playoffs seem closer than ever for the Vancouver Canucks as they beat the Dallas Stars and extended their winning streak to six games.
Despite the absences of the captain Bo Horvat and recently hot alex chiasson, who was ruled out shortly before the game with a non-COVID-related illness, the Canucks still found a way to win. Five different forwards contributed goals, and their solid defensive play helped seal the deal in another do-or-die contest.
With the win, the Canucks are now two points closer to a playoff spot, trailing Dallas by just five points for the second and final wild card spot. More importantly, and more realistically, the team is also just four points behind the Los Angeles Kings, who currently sit in third place in the Pacific Division with one game less on the schedule.
It also helped that the Vegas Golden Knights lost to the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, further increasing Vancouver’s chances.
Elijah Pettersson, once again, he had an impressive game against the stars, something he seems to do every time he plays against them. Two goals and an assist appeared on Pettersson’s stat sheet this time around, capitalizing on his impressive play of late.
Though goals generally outweigh assists when it comes to storylines, Pettersson’s assistant also showcased the progress he’s made as an up-and-coming superstar in the NHL. And yes, we did say superstar, Mr. Allvin.
In his previous two games against the Stars this season, Pettersson had three goals and two assists, including a standout shot off Joe Pavelski’s legs. When Pettersson found himself 2v1 with brockboeser, both the defenseman and Jake Oettinger fully engaged Pettersson, leaving Boeser with an open net to shoot.
Great players draw others to them, and that’s exactly what Pettersson did.
Pettersson wasn’t the only multipoint Canuck in this game. Boeser and Jason Dickinson each scored a goal and two assists, while Vasily Podkolzin I had one of each. blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson He also recorded two assists.
Roope Hintz scored both of the stars’ goals, which came on special teams: a powerplay goal in the first period that tied the game at one, and a shorthand goal in the second period that cut Vancouver’s lead to 3- two.
What does this mean for the Canucks’ playoff hopes?
A key characteristic of every championship-winning team is resilience; the ability to quickly overcome adversity. While many don’t think of the Canucks as contenders, they do find ways to win, which has immense value in the playoffs.
Another key playoff attribute is toughness, a category in which the Canucks excelled Monday night.
It seemed that every time I was on the ice, will lockwood he would land a blow that made you shudder just imagining the pain the other guy must feel.
lucas schenn he also had a massive fight against Jamie Benn, after the Dallas captain defeated Quinn Hughes.
In other words, if the Canucks make the playoffs, his toughness will be a strength for them.
The Canucks face the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night in the second half of their back-to-back series. A win would put them one point ahead of the Golden Knights with the same number of games played.
Also, if Los Angeles loses to the Anaheim Ducks and the Canucks beat the Senators, the Canucks will be two points behind the Kings with one game remaining.
A day or two ago, it was tough for the Canucks to make the playoffs. Today they have a legitimate opportunity. Tomorrow, if things go well, it could be two points out.
Chants of “Bruce, there he is” filled Rogers Arena once again on Monday night. Perhaps the playoffs aren’t out of reach and such chants can echo in the arena a little longer.
The disk drop is scheduled for 7:00 pm PST on Tuesday.
What do you think of Monday’s massive 6-2 victory against Dallas? Tell us in the comments!
Reference-thecanuckway.com