Vancouver Canucks Prospects Showdown highlights Pettersson, Gaudette

2. Adam Gaudette steals the spotlight

Despite all the flash in Pettersson’s offensive game, the true star at the Prospects Showdown was opposing centre Adam Gaudette, the 20-year-old NCAA forward for Northeastern University. He will look to dominate the NCAA in his third year, this time with the alternate captain’s “A” on his jersey.

The sole reason Team White could not dominate Team Blue in Thursday’s game may have been Gaudette’s play and his ability to be a complete hockey player.

Those comparisons would be to NHL stars like Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron.

Gaudette’s complete 200-foot game was on display on Thursday. He did not have the flashiest of dekes and the prettiest of the passing plays but he still managed to score two goals, both off the rush, during regulation play.

He also hit the post in the shootout portion, displaying quick and nifty hands in tight.

The most impressive part of Gaudette’s game was his ability neutralise his opposition in all three zones.

He was physically solid, dropping Pettersson behind the net during the second period with a strong shoulder check. Gaudette was also tenacious on the puck and closed down passing lanes using his stick effectively.

His offence was also impressive, considering he nearly had the same offensive output as Pettersson did with two goals and beating the netminder in the shootout. What the fans saw yesterday was that Gaudette can play the game at the same pace as Pettersson can.

Here are some quotes from Gaudette, courtesy of Ben Kuzma of Province Sports.

"We were getting matched up with the two Swedes and I think we did a pretty good job overall. He (Pettersson) is definitely a higher pick than me, but I definitely wanted to show that I can compete at the level he’s competing at because we’re battling for the same spot. I wanted to show everybody that I can play at the same pace that he can. — Adam Gaudette, via Ben Kuzma, Province Sports"

Gaudette definitely showed why he had 52 points in 37 NCAA games last season as a reliable two-way centre. After being drafted in the fifth round, Gaudette may be looking to challenge for an NHL roster spot after next season. He won’t be satisfied with a fourth-line role, either.

The future is bright down the middle. Imagine a trio of Pettersson-Bo Horvat-Gaudette!