Canucks schedule: Trio of tough character tests will result in redemption or ruin

Article content

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Article content

You can attempt to outscore your problems, but defence is going to provide a lot of answers.

Article content

A league emphasis on offence — and especially improved power plays — has led to an average of 6.34 goals per game. It’s the highest since 1993-94 when the average was 6.48. 

Pavel Bure put up 60 goals that campaign for the Vancouver Canucks, who came within a victory of capturing the franchise’s first Stanley Cup by defying the odds.

In the regular season, they had the 13th-ranked power play, 14th-rated offence and 17th-rated defence. In the post-season, they allowed the fifth-fewest goals and scored the third-most goals.

The current Canucks aren’t gaining any traction in another plodding pursuit of an elusive playoffs position because they can’t defend. 

Article content

They have surrendered five or more goals on 18 occasions and only the Anaheim Ducks (4.07) had allowed more goals per outing than the Canucks (3.90) heading into league play Tuesday. The problem is magnified by a league-worst penalty kill (68.1 per cent) and ill-timed offensive-zone pinches that often result in 2-on-1 beaks for the opposition.

To salvage a tough five-game trip with stops in Tampa Bay on Thursday, Florida on Saturday and Carolina on Sunday, the Canucks should recall what Luke Schenn said a year ago.

In advance of losing 4-2 to the Lightning, the veteran blueliner warned that building a better resolve was about defending. He had two championship rings with Tampa Bay to prove his point, but the Presidents’ Trophy winners had to pivot after being swept by the Columbus Blue Jackets in first round of the 2018 playoffs.

Article content

They had to learn to grind. They had to learn to do the tough stuff.

“They were relying a lot more on skill,” recalled Schenn. “They pride themselves on being good in the corners and front of the net. The biggest thing was the belief in the group and the want to continue to get better.”

Here’s what the Canucks are facing:

Canucks at Lightning

When and where: Thursday at 4 p.m. | Amalie Arena

TV: Sportsnet | Radio: AM650

Why watch: Kucherov piling up the assists

The Lightning took a seven-game win streak on home ice into Tuesday’s matchup against the hapless Columbus Blue Jackets and it was a good to bet the over on Nikita Kucherov’s point output. He struck for four points (2-2) in a 6-3 romp.

The first-line right-winger has always been able to use his speed, shot and deception to score, but his ability to set up teammates has led to 44 assists to tie league-leader Connor McDavid. Kucherov will make his fourth All-Star Game appearance and is on pace to surpass his career high of 87 assists in 2018-19.

Article content

“He’s one of those guys that has an influence on the team in such a positive way,” said Lightning coach Jon Cooper. “He just had to learn how to harness that and that comes with age and experience.”

Who to watch: Centre Braden Point

Often the beneficiary of sweet feeds from Kucherov, the centre’s 23 goals include a team high eight power-play goals and seven game-winners. He’s on pace for a career high 45 goals that would eclipse the 41 he had to power a 92-point season in 2018-19 to earn an eight-year US$76 million extension in 2021.

Canucks at Panthers

When and where: Saturday at 4 p.m. | FLA Live Arena

TV: Sportsnet | Radio: AM650

Why watch: Can Canucks avenge brutal loss?

J.T. Miller put a 5-1 home-ice drubbing by the Panthers on Dec. 1 in perspective and it has become a common refrain. “We don’t show enough maturity as a group for an extended period of time,” he said that night of giving up three late first-period goals in 59 seconds. Thatcher Demko was yanked after allowing three goals on 18 shots and Spencer Martin mopped up.

Article content

Who to watch: Right-winger Matthew Tkachuk

Before the Calgary Flames found their footing, the consensus was they missed the irritating and effective Tkachuk. He can take a bad penalty, but also score a great goal. He’s ninth in league scoring with 49 points (20-29) but also third in most penalty minutes (61).

Canucks at Hurricanes

When and where: Sunday at 2 p.m. | PNC Arena

TV: Sportsnet | Radio: AM650

Why watch: Can Canucks avoid early hole?

Contributing factors to the Hurricanes owning the league’s second-best record is they’ve given up the fewest first-period goals and second fewest at even strength. The Canucks have surrendered the second most first-period goals and the fourth most at even strength.

It could make for an ominous outing if the Canucks cough up early goals and let that bleed into the second period. They’ve won just four of 19 games when trailing after 40 minutes. They can’t let a well-balanced team, that doesn’t have a player in top 45 scoring, strike early and often.

Article content

Who to watch: Left winger Andrei Svechnikov

He’s big, fast and a load to handle down low. A team-leading 19 goals speak of finish, but the All-Star Game bound Russian is exhibition a blistering slapshot that’s handcuffing goalies over the blocker to the far side. Despite seven shots and nine attempts Tuesday, he went pointless as the Hurricanes blew a 3-1 lead in a rare home-ice loss (12-5-1) by falling 5-3 to the resurgent New Jersey Devils.

[email protected]

twitter.com/@benkuzma

More news, fewer ads: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.