The Canuck Way
Fansided

Canucks lose third straight game at hands of Canadiens

By David Quadrelli

VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 17: Shea Weber #6 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates with teammates Joel Armia #40 and Nick Cousins #21 after scoring a goal while Jordie Benn #4 and Christopher Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks look on during NHL action at Rogers Arena on December 17, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - DECEMBER 17: Shea Weber #6 of the Montreal Canadiens celebrates with teammates Joel Armia #40 and Nick Cousins #21 after scoring a goal while Jordie Benn #4 and Christopher Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks look on during NHL action at Rogers Arena on December 17, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 17: The Vancouer Canucks celebrate a goal by Vancouver Canucks Center Adam Gaudette (88) against the Montreal Canadiens during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on December 17, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Devin Manky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – DECEMBER 17: The Vancouer Canucks celebrate a goal by Vancouver Canucks Center Adam Gaudette (88) against the Montreal Canadiens during their NHL game at Rogers Arena on December 17, 2019 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Devin Manky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Gaudette shoots his shot

With a perfect wrist shot after he found himself with some time and space at the top of the left circle, Adam Gaudette beat the Canadiens’ goaltender short side. It’s not easy to beat Carey Price short side.

“The Hockey Gaud”, as he’s known on social media, was finally rewarded for his solid play as of late. Last night’s goal was Gaudette’s first in nine games, but the 2018 Hobey Baker Award Winner has been making serious strides in his two-way game as of late.

He’s been forechecking harder, backchecking with more urgency, and has been doing all the things that Canucks’ head coach Travis Green demands from his players. If Gaudette’s going to remain in the third line center role, he needs to continue to do these things — but he also needs to score.

Last night, Gaudette scored the Canucks’ first goal of the game, and nearly had the second, as well. If it weren’t for a coaches challenge revealing Josh Leivo’s left skate crossing the blueline before the puck did on the Canucks’ zone entry, Gaudette’s would have his eighth goal.

Even with the time and space he was given, beating Price is no easy task, so it was good to see Gaudette rifle one past the Anahim Lake, British Columbia native. Gaudette’s power play marker stood as his team’s lone goal.

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