Vancouver Canucks Prospects Showdown highlights Pettersson, Gaudette

1. The Elias Pettersson Show has just begun

After being selected fifth overall in the most recent NHL Entry Draft, Elias Pettersson played his first game in a Vancouver Canucks uniform on Thursday. He scored twice in regulation play and added a third goal in the shootout portion of the game.

In the three goals that he scored, Pettersson showed off his quick hands as well as a hard and accurate wrist shot. Vancouver will be seeing his signature backhand-to-forehand dekes for many years to come.

Pettersson looked natural in making these flashy moves, understanding the on-ice dynamics and finding the soft spots in the slot. He also used his teammates effectively. This first goal came from a short give-and-go with defenseman Aaron Irving that allowed Pettersson to get behind the defence.

Then the second goal came thanks to Pettersson’s awareness of Jonathan Dahlen’s drive to the net. Pettersson recognised that a lane will open up if he patiently hung on to the puck.

Without the puck, Pettersson did not impress defensively but was positionally sound. His skating and soft hands allowed him to get out of tough situations without being pinned down at his own end too many times.

Vancouver drafted Pettersson for his offensive skills and his quickness. The Canucks are getting exactly what they hoped they were getting in Elias and the fans are going to enjoy these kinds of highlight reels for the years to come.