Vancouver Canucks: 3 takeaways from shutout win over Anaheim Ducks
The Vancouver Canucks defeated the Anaheim Ducks last night by a score of 4-0. Here are my three takeaways from the game.
On the night of a busy trade deadline day in which the Vancouver Canucks shipped out two players and welcomed in a couple new faces in return, the Canucks had a commanding victory over the Anaheim Ducks, picking up the shutout victory. Here are my three takeaways from last night’s game.
Sautner and Schenn an effective pairing
After the Canucks shipped out defenceman Erik Gudbranson to the Pittsburgh Penguins yesterday, it meant that there would be an opening for Luke Schenn to get some ice time.
Schenn was acquired alongside a seventh-round pick last month from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for Michael Del Zotto. Last night, however, was Schenn’s first game in a Canucks uniform.
Schenn found himself with a defence partner whom he is familiar with from his time spent in Utica this year; Ashton Sautner. Sautner and Schenn have been a reliable pairing for the Utica Comets this year and played well with one another last night.
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Early in the first period, Sautner made his first good pinch of the night — one of many, I might add — and kept the play alive for his team in the offensive zone. Schenn and Sautner were both reliable defensively, moved the puck well.
The most important thing that I saw from the two of them was the fact that they didn’t try to do anything too flashy and out of their comfort zones — they simply played their games and were solid last night.
The two of them may very well remain together and be a solid third pairing for the Canucks down the final stretch of the season once Alex Edler and Chris Tanev return from their injuries.