Vancouver Canucks: 3 takeaways from 6-2 win over Kings

In what easily their best and most complete game of the season, the Vancouver Canucks throttled the Los Angeles Kings with a 6-2 victory. Here are three things we learned from the fireworks show.

The Vancouver Canucks sure looked like the team we saw in October and November on Tuesday night. Powered by Thomas Vanek and Loui Eriksson (three points apiece), the Canucks absolutely took it to the a bigger and stronger Los Angeles Kings team, crushing them in an easy 6-2 victory.

Judging by what folks had to say on Twitter, Rogers Arena was also rocking, and “the wave” took over:

The Canucks handed the slumping Kings their seventh loss in eight games, handing their division rivals a critical loss that has them falling more and more out of the Western Conference playoff race. It’s always fun to play spoiler, when the opportunity presents itself.

This win isn’t going to put the Canucks on a 10-game win streak that inserts them back into the postseason picture. But victories like this show the potential on the roster, and the Canucks aren’t as bad as they looked in December.

Now, let’s look at three takeways from the Canucks best game of the season.

Thomas Vanek may be here to stay

General manager Jim Benning may want to start telling rival clubs that Thomas Vanek is not for sale at the Feb. 26 trade deadline. What are the chances they get equal or superior value in a trade for a player who’s now up to 14 goals and 35 points on the season?

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Vanek scored once on Tuesday and added a pair of assists, once again showcasing his talent and ability to take over games with that slick shot.

I know the Canucks are rebuilding and all, but are you sure you want to trade this guy?

The 33-year-old has been a terrific mentor to younger players, and seems to be a popular character in the locker room. Vanek’s on his way to a 20-goal and 50-point season, and has plenty of hockey left in him.

With another signature performance from Vanek, the Canucks should probably try working out an extension soon. This isn’t a guy you should trade at the deadline. Not when he’s doing all of this scoring and leading by example for $2 million.

‘Killer B’s’ are back

It was just Bo Horvat‘s second game back since suffering a broken foot, but he sure made a huge impact against the Kings. The 22-year-old registered two assists, and didn’t look the least bit rusty out there.

Sven Baertschi also scored a goal and is up to 10 on the season. 20 seems unlikely, given the significant time he missed with a broken jaw. But a strong finish is all the Canucks can ask of Baertschi from here on out.

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Oh, and you know how Brock Boeser hadn’t scored in his last six games? Well, he scored twice in the contest and finished with a whopping six shots on goal. Look out Mathew Barzal, this Calder Trophy race is far from over.

Head coach Travis Green may want to let the ‘Killer B’s’ line reform from here on out. All are fresh and healthy once again. We remember the damage they did early and often, so why not reunite the trio?

Alexander Edler’s turning a corner

Alexander Edler is no longer a true No. 1 defenceman, as age (31), and multiple injuries have piled up. He’s been as inconsistent as they come in his own zone, but he’s still capable of playing big minutes and making a big impact.

Over his last eight games, Edler has posted one goal and seven assists. He’s played over 22 minutes in game, and is starting to look like the Edler that carried the Canucks to the top of the Western Conference standings some years ago.

It’s unlikely, but you wonder if Edler’s recent surge has other general managers calling — and if Jim Benning will listen to offers. Edler has value as a top-four defenceman, but the Canucks haven’t indicated that they want to trade him.

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That’s probably a discussion for the offseason. Edler isn’t going to maintain this strong offensive pace, but the Canucks may be better off keeping him for the season. With Erik Gudbranson likely on his way out, Edler is going to have more responsibility than usual. It’s nice to see him turning a corner after a rough first half of the season.