Vancouver Canucks: 3 keys to victory over the Anaheim Ducks

These days, the Canucks can’t even buy themselves a goal. They complete the trip to SoCal in tonight’s clash with the Anaheim Ducks. Here are the keys to victory.

152 minutes and nine seconds. That’s the amount of game time since the Vancouver Canucks last scored a goal. I knew these final games without Brock Boeser would be tough to watch, but the Canucks have found a new low. According to Dave Tomlinson, if the Canucks are shutout this game and can’t score within 10 minutes of the first period on Saturday, they will set a new record.

What makes matters worse is that the last Canuck to score is Jussi Jokinen. For the players whose futures are not certain for next year, this is supposed to be the best opportunity. Guys like Nikolay Goldobin and Tyler Motte leave more questions than answers.

Ben Hutton and Derrick Pouliot don’t have their conditioning to Travis Green‘s liking. Watch these games. Those two lag behind and seem to burn themselves out towards the end of the game. I don’t think either are bad defencemen, but they have to do whatever they can to get out of the doghouse. Sadly, Hutton has the much steeper hill to climb.

Tonight concludes the dreaded trip through Southern California. And if Monday’s game was any indication of today, I don’t blame the fans who won’t bother tuning in. For those that stand the self-inflicted torture of watching this team, here are the keys to victory.

Lineup notes

Injuries

From Rotoworld: Brock Boeser (back), Sven Baertschi (shoulder), Loui Eriksson (ribs), Chris Tanev (leg), Markus Granlund (ankle), Brendan Gaunce (ankle), Derek Dorsett (back/neck)

Keys to victory

Somebody, anybody, score a freaking goal

It’s in the intro. The Canucks can’t keep goals out of their own net and worst of all, can’t beat the opposition. I don’t care who scores. It could be Nic Dowd, Brandon Sutter, Tyler Motte, or Erik Gudbranson. Somebody, for the sanity of all Canucks fans, score a damn goal!

This team can’t spin it’s wheels for these final 12 games of the season. I would almost welcome a 7-1 loss since at least a goal was scored. Vancouver struggled mightily against an LA Kings team that was not giving a 100% effort. They couldn’t solve Jonathan Quick. That seventh best power play in the league was worthless without the team’s prized sniper. Now, its falling fast, sitting at 10th overall.

It’s so obvious that it should go without saying, but you won’t win a single game again if you can’t score a goal. Of course, the Canucks will eventually score. But when? How low will this team continue to sink? Do you even care at this point?

I’m noticing a lot more apathy from a depressed fanbase. Not a great thing to happen when the Canucks are hoping for season ticket renewals at this time.

Pray for a perfect night from the goalie

For a team that can’t score and can’t defend, it looks like wins will be of the 1-0 variety. Expecting perfection from Jacob Markstrom or Anders Nilsson is unfair, but look at what’s in front of them. This barely passes for an AHL team these days with so many players injured.

Somehow, some way, one of these goaltenders needs to stop the likes of Corey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell. Unfortunately for the Canucks, the threats come from multiple forward lines and a potent defensive group. The game is in California, so you can’t count on a certain duo hitting the Roxy the night before. We all should know by now when you lean on a goalie to win all your games. However, some lessons are never learned.

Control the puck and throw everything at the net

With all things considered, this is the easiest key for the Vancouver Canucks. It’s not a difficult concept. You need to control the puck to send shot after shot at a goalie. I don’t care how good John Gibson or Ryan Miller are. Goaltenders have a tougher time making saves after facing 30 shots. There’s your target.

You are doing yourself no favours when you exit a period with three shots. Create lots of scoring chances. Bad luck can only run for so long and maybe an Anaheim defenceman can accidentally throw a puck into his own net. Juice is playing, after all.

Anaheim is a heavy team that will lay down the body. The more hits the Canucks throw means the less often they have the puck. Don’t be foolish. Chasing the game is a good way to lose. Strip pucks and win the most important battles along the boards. If Vancouver is just going to throw a late hit that creates an odd man rush the other way, there is no point in playing. Don’t be a sucker.

Next: Canucks aren't giving Sedins a reason to come back

Travis Green is a man who rewards effort. But working hard only goes so far. At some point, you need to see some results. Everyone knows these final 12 games don’t matter, but don’t find ways to find a new rock bottom. You can still tank while scoring goals. I just hope the Canucks haven’t forgotten that. Three years of losing can do that to you.

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