Canucks’ Elias Pettersson pumped about points, ‘getting back to my old self’


Notebook: Center feels he’s turned a corner with nine points in 10 games, fitting in young wingers Nils Höglander and Vasily Podkolzin

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Elias Pettersson sat up straight for his media availability Wednesday morning.

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Like a student eager to learn, he was attentive, engaging and his up-beat tone suggested that the Vancouver Canucks center may have turned a competitive corner in a season where he has struggled to find his game and confidence.

A run of six goals and nine points in 10 games will do that for any player. But Pettersson is no ordinary performer, and any sign that his instinctive and no-hesitation game is rounding into form bodes well for the slick Swede and his teammates. Especially if the Canucks expect to remain in playoff contention.

“I definitely feel better,” he said. “Obviously, nice to score some points. I just feel, other than the points, more in the game. I feel a difference in making and creating plays, just much more involved and more fun when you’re producing, too.

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“I’ve been feeling good for a while now and feel like me again. I’m not overthinking. I’m just playing and getting back to my old self. Definitely more fun personally.”

Part of that fun aspect is being aligned with Nils Höglander and rookie Vasily Podkolzin.

They’re all young, they get along and there’s no pressure to defer to a veteran linemate on any particular play. It was evident Tuesday when a three-way passing play started by Höglander resulted in Podkolzin springing Pettersson for a laser-like delivery. It provided a 3-0 lead en route to a 5-1 decision over the Arizona Coyotes.

“We’re playing really good and there are some shifts when we’re spending too much time in the (offensive) zone and can try to be a little better there,” said Pettersson. “All three of us think the same, we’re young and still think like junior hockey. That’s what makes us good. We think fast and we’re always trying to find open teammates.”

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Coach Bruce Boudreau applauds the commitment to make linemates better, but Pettersson can be a game-breaker with his creativity and that shot. So the coach’s message is simple — shoot — to become a multi-dimensional threat.

Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau has worked with Elias Pettersson, moving him to the wing at times and even putting him on the penalty kill, to get the young Swede's game going.
Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau has worked with Elias Pettersson, moving him to the wing at times and even putting him on the penalty kill, to get the young Swede’s game going. Photo by Bob Frid /USA TODAY Sports files

“That’s the type of player I am — I’m always trying to find a pass rather than shooting,” admitted Pettersson, who was seventh among club forwards with 93 shots in 47 games heading into Wednesday’s test against the New York Islanders. “Why? I don’t know. It’s a good problem to have.

“I know I have a good shot and can definitely use it more. If I start being shot-first mentality maybe more will open up. It’s little stuff like that I can work on and take advantage of.”

Boudreau gets credit for giving Pettersson support, moving him to the wing and even working on the penalty kill, to get both his game and head in order. How did that come to this?

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“Well, it’s long overdue,” said Boudreau. “He’s a great player, he’s got to produce. He’s picking this time and that’s great — we’ll take it whenever we can get it.”

Some bravado from Podkolzin to physically and vocally engage the opposition doesn’t hurt either to give the line more than just potential. Moxie never hurts.

“That’s part of it, but he doesn’t want to be out of the lineup,” reasoned Boudreau. “I played hard last night (Tuesday) and got a great assist. These guys all have pride and we need Pods to play, and he’s a part of the future.”

Halak hits the bonus

“The big news is Halak is starting.”

That’s how Boudreau briefly broached the Jaroslav Halak goaltending decision Wednesday on the second half of back-to-back games.

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Normally, it’s no big deal to give starter Thatcher Demko a needed break, but the US $1.25-million performance bonus that kicks in for Halak when he plays his 10th game this season has been a talking point.

Halak, 36, has a no-movement clause on his one-year, US $1.5-million deal and that he has kept the club from moving the veteran to a contender that could use his help for depth purposes and insurance against injury.

Canucks goalie Jaroslav Halak has a no-movement clause on his one-year, US .5-million contract.
Canucks goalie Jaroslav Halak has a no-movement clause on his one-year, US $1.5-million contract. Photo by Jason Payne /PNG files

And with Halak owed an additional US $250,000 bonus for a save percentage better than .905 — he was at .918 before facing the Islanders — the Canucks could apply the US $1.5 million in total bonuses to next year’s salary cap if they can’t resolve cap challenges.

The motivation for Halak seems simple. But is it?

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Like any stopper, he wants to play and the Canucks have six more back-to-back sets on their schedule. Is that enough to appease the competitive spirit?

“I don’t put pressure on myself anymore,” Halak said after making 20 saves in a 3-1 win at Chicago on Jan. 31. “I just try to go out there and enjoy it because you never know when it’s your last game. I go day by day and game by game, and when I get a chance I just try to do my best.

“The standard has always been high for me, and I’m sure for any goalie in the league, and I just want to prove that I can still play.”

Halak missed a scheduled Jan. 15 start in Carolina after testing positive for COVID-19.

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