Canucks: 3 takeaways from 4-1 win over Sharks

Canucks take first place in Pacific Division

The National Hockey League has the Canucks off the books for the next nine days as the NHL prepares for the 2020 All-Star Game in St. Louis, Missouri. With a clutch win of 4-1 over the Sharks on Saturday, Vancouver is holding the top spot in the Pacific Division, looking very much like a playoff contender.

Being on top of the mountain is a great look. Vancouver did everything required of them versus the Sharks in order to climb to the peak of the Pacific. Head coach, Travis Green had his boys dialled in all night long. They managed to keep the Sharks to just seven shots through the first two periods of play.

All said and done, the Sharks were kept under 20 shots. They finished the contest with 18, but it made for an easy night for the back-up goaltender, Thatcher Demko. He let in a garbage goal rebound that the Canucks’ defence just couldn’t track and get out of the zone. Other than that, the 23-year-old stayed sharp and earned a valuable two points.

Canucks peppered Aaron Dell all night long. Vancouver didn’t reach 40 but they finished the game having fired on San Jose 39 times. They more than doubled the shot total of their opponents with much help from all around. Three different Canucks, including Tyler Myers, had at least four shots on net.

Finding the back of the net was a relentless mission for the Canucks and it paid off in a very big way. For at least the next week, Vancouver holds sole possession of the Pacific Division lead. Take a look at the standings below!

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