Vancouver Canucks: 3 takeaways from 4-3 win over Ottawa Senators

In their first game of 2019, the Vancouver Canucks overcame a late rally from the home team and defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in overtime. Here’s what we learned.

The Vancouver Canucks didn’t make it easy on themselves, but of Elias Pettersson‘s first career hat trick ensured that they left the nation’s capital with two points.

It was easily the most productive day of Pettersson’s young NHL career. Before the hat trick – which included the overtime winner – he was announced as one of the players for the Pacific Division in this year’s All-Star Game.

With the victory, Vancouver moves to 20-19-4 on the season — one point behind the Anaheim Ducks for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Here’s a look at what we learned from Vancouver’s first victory in the new year.

 3. Sven Baertschi makes an impact

Having Sven Baertschi back in the lineup has provided a huge boost for head coach Travis Green. So before you freak out about the poor usage of Nikolay Goldobin, understand that Green has a more reliable and proven scorer to work with.

Baertschi scored the game’s opening goal and added an assist in Wednesday’s contest. That’s now three points in four games since the 26-year-old returned from an injury. He doesn’t look the least bit rusty, despite missing over two months with a concussion.

The Swiss forward played 14:39, with 4:24 coming on the power play. Green is relying a lot on a now-healthy Baertschi to produce the much-needed secondary scoring. And so far, Baertschi has answered the call.

With Goldobin seemingly in the coach’s doghouse and Jake Virtanen on a cold streak, Baertschi’s return has been key. Vancouver’s top line will need all the support it can get down the stretch, and Baertschi is providing it.

2. More late defensive meltdowns

The Canucks have had a bad habit of blowing third period leads this season, and Wednesday was no different. Leading 3-1 with just over nine minutes to go, Christian Wolanin was left wide open in the slot to cut the lead in half.

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That goal started with an unlucky bounce, sure, but somebody has to be there to protect the slot. Plain and simple. And nobody bothered to contest Mark Stone on his game-tying goal. He was only left all alone in front on a pass across for the gimme.

Vancouver may have picked up the two points, but they have to find a way to start protecting these third period leads better.

Remember that road debacle against the Buffalo back on Nov. 10?  Where they blew a 3-1 lead with two and a half minutes to go? That’s how the eight-game losing streak started.

When the Canucks play more competitive teams down the stretch, they better not leave Jacob Markstrom hanging again. There is no quick fix to this blue line, and general manager Jim Benning can’t sacrifice young/future assets for rentals at the deadline. The solution to these defensive woes must come from within.

If the Canucks are going to stay in the playoff race, they’ll have to hold onto these late leads and not relinquish the extra point. I

1. Elias Pettersson = Hart Trophy dark horse

What else can we say at this point? If the Canucks find a way to make the playoffs, the Calder Trophy might not be the only thing Elias Pettersson wins. Honestly, this man better get some Hart Trophy votes if he leads Vancouver into the tournament of 16.

Despite so many injuries to key players, mediocre special teams, leaky defence and on-and-off goaltending, the Canucks sit right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. That is all on Pettersson, who is already up to 22 goals and 42 points on the season.

Named to the All-Star Game in his rookie season, Pettersson is having arguably the most dominant rookie campaign since 2006-07 — when Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin tallied 33 goals and 85 points.

Consider Pettersson a Hart Trophy dark horse for the time being. He’s playing like a true MVP right now. The best part? There’s no reason to believe the rookie will cool down. Pettersson would be right there in the scoring title race if he didn’t miss six games. But hey, 42 points in 37 contests isn’t half bad, either.