Vancouver Canucks: 3 takeaways from loss to Nashville Predators

One of Markstrom’s best performances

In what may be his last start of the season, Jacob Markstrom came to play last night. Thatcher Demko will likely get the start in the final game of the season on Saturday, so Markstrom was certainly looking to finish what has been an exceptional year for him on a high note.

Despite what the Predators fans in the stands last night may think, the goals that did get by Markstrom were not his fault. Especially the equalizing goal that came in the second period. It appeared that Predators’ forward Austin Watson pushed the puck to the front of the net with his glove, and also went crashing into Markstrom’s pad before the puck went in.

It looked like for sure that the call on the ice would be overturned and the Canucks would sustain their one-goal lead — but after the further review, the call on the ice was confirmed.

Then the Predators took the lead late with 20 seconds and hung on to take the victory. The game-winning goal was another one that wasn’t Markstrom’s fault either, after the puck was turned over in the Canucks end resulting in a Predators goal.

Each one of the goals seemed bizarre tonight. The first one trickled in past Markstrom but the whistle had already gone — so when the play was reviewed and announced a goal, everyone, including Markstrom, was surprised. The third and game-winning goal deflected in off of a sprawling Troy Stecher‘s stick and beat Markstrom.

Despite the oddball goals, Markstrom showed once again that he is a fierce competitor and truly is a starting goaltender. He made some huge saves — as he’s made a habit of doing this year — to help keep his team in the game.

Demko will likely get the start this Saturday when the Canucks take on the St. Louis Blues to wrap up their season on the road. Puck drop is at 1 PM, and you won’t want to miss this one.