Canucks: 3 takeaways from 5-2 loss to the Panthers

Canucks best players were not their best players

The Canucks’ success this season has no doubt hinged on the effectiveness of the Lotto Line featuring Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller and Boeser. If they are fired up, the team is fired up. This game was another example of what can happen when the balls do not fall in their favour. Only Boeser looked good in this game, and it was largely in one stretch in the first period when he cut the lead to one and almost tied the game shortly thereafter in a one-on-one showdown with Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

Miller seemed frustrated all game, as he took two slashing penalties and even received a game misconduct in the third period, resulting in an early trip to the showers. Pettersson also was not his usual dangerous self, finishing the game with two giveaways and no shots on goal. He did, however, add to his point total by collecting an assist on Boeser’s first period goal. Sufficed to say, they were not on their game tonight.

The Panthers’ top line of Barkov, Huberdeau and Evgeni Dadonov definitely were up to the task. They combined for four points and 12 shots on goal and were dangerous all night long. The second wave of attack featuring the surprising Noel Acciari was also too much for the Canucks as he potted two goals as well. At the end of the day, they just couldn’t match up with the best the Panthers had to offer.

Final thoughts

The Canucks will try once again to bounce back from the nightmare that was the State of Florida when they face off against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday at 10 a.m.