Vancouver Canucks: 3 things we learned from win over Isles

After a very sloppy start, the Vancouver Canucks were able to overcome it and defeat the New York Islanders 4-3 in overtime. We examine three major takeaways from the thrilling victory.

The Vancouver Canucks put together one of their finest games of the season, playing spoiler and defeating the New York Islanders 4 to 3 in overtime.

But overshadowing the victory is an injury scare to rookie Brock Boeser, who left the game and was taken to the hospital after crashing into the open gate of the team’s bench. Boeser immediately exited for the locker room, but it was decided he should be taken to the hospital for precaution:

Naturally, it’s hard to celebrate a victory when there’s an injury scare of this severity. The Canucks will hopefully provide updates soon, and all that matters is that Boeser makes a full recovery.

In the mean time, let’s break down three key takeaways from Vancouver’s thrilling win.

Brendan Leipsic steals the show

Brendan Leipsic has only played three games with the Canucks, but he hasn’t needed long to make an impact. After registering two assists in his Vancouver debut against the New York Rangers, Leipsic was held pointless against the Nashville Predators.

But then came Monday night, where Leipsic single-handedly destroyed the Islanders. He scored two goals and an assist. He also scored quite a dandy of a game-winner in overtime — the first of his career:

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/970897023565144064

Related Story: Canucks add much-needed speed in Brendan Leipsic

It’s way too early to project Leipsic as a star in Vancouver, but it’s also hard not to get excited about what he brings. The Canucks are lacking in speedy wingers, but Leipsic brings a great set of wheels to his game.

Even if he’s a bottom-six forward on this team, Leipsic will do just fine. The Canucks have to move away from the gritty, tough but slow skaters. At this point of the season, head coach Travis Green may as well see what Leipsic can do in the top-six. They have nothing to lose at this stage of the season.

Jacob Markstrom settles down

You can understand why goalie Jacob Markstrom has been frustrated. In his first year as the undisputed starter, Markstrom hasn’t gotten much support in front of him, and the 6-foot-6 Swede will not hold back in criticizing his own game.

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Markstrom was visibly frustrated after the the rough start, when the Islanders jumped out to a 2-0 lead early in the second period.

But he settled down from then out and helped the Canucks hold off one of the league’s top scoring units.

A 31-save performance by Markstrom was key in helping the Canucks steal this one. As long as he remains calm and cool-headed, Markstrom is capable of helping Vancouver steal a game on any given night.

Markstrom’s performance has gotten gradually better over the past two weeks. If the defencemen could give him more support, there’s no telling how much better he could perform.

Jake Virtanen keeps getting better

Big things were expected for Jake Virtanen at the start of the season under new head coach Travis Green. Though he has yet to reach the full potential that made him the sixth-overall pick in 2014, his performance over the past couple of months is certainly encouraging.

The Canucks envisioned him as being the big, strong and fast scoring winger — and we’re finally seeing more of it. He had a goal and one assist on the night, as Virtanen continues to relish more ice time in the wake of injuries to other players.

Virtanen isn’t going into that blossom 20-goal man this season, but you have to think he’s going to avoid that “bust” label. He’s certainly capable of reaching a higher level.

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By the way, coach Green, this is why you play the young kids when your team is out of the playoff race. Just look at what Virtanen and Leipsic have done over the past few games. Let’s keep it that way.