Canucks: 3 takeaways from 9-2 loss to the Lightning

Eriksson shines on the second line

Loui Eriksson now has four points in his last six contests. His promotion to the team’s top shutdown line has created some offence for Eriksson and his linemates. Thought to forever be a lost soul in Vancouver, has Eriksson found a fraction of his former self?

The second period was well underway, the puck was shot around the boards on a dump, deflected off the skate of the onrushing Tanner Pearson to the tape of Bo Horvat who tossed the rubber across the ice to the wide-open Swede. Eriksson managed to tip the puck past Vasilevsky. It was his second goal in six games, and Eriksson’s of the season.

All the little things are adding up for Eriksson, and it has landed him an extended look on the second line. His strong defensive abilities are well-suited higher in the line-up and he’s meshing well with Pearson and Horvat.

The Canucks nearly gave up double-digit goals in an embarrassing loss and Eriksson ended the game with a minus-one rating. Not too shabby considering the goal differential. It may be a bit of a miracle, but in a handful of games, Eriksson is finding ways to contribute — the silver lining in a very dark sky.

Final thoughts

The Canucks enjoyed a lengthy seven-game win streak that was shattered by the dangerous Lightning. No time to dwell on the loss as Vancouver faces off against the Florida Panthers on Thursday at 4 p.m.