Canucks: 3 takeaways from 4-1 win over Sharks
Canucks All-Stars add to point totals
Jacob Markstrom, the Canucks All-Star goaltender got to ride pine on Saturday night, attempting to rest him before he minds the goal crease down the stretch, post-2020 All-Star game. The same couldn’t be said for second-time All-Star, Elias Pettersson or rookie All-Star, Quinn Hughes. Unlike Markstrom, these players didn’t get a rest day. The division is too tight and Vancouver needs to squeeze everything they can get out of their top forward and best d-man.
On Saturday, they were simply that. Pettersson’s secondary assist didn’t come until late in the third period, but the Swedish sensation still managed to play a very good game. He was held without a shot on goal, but there was a good effort for a full 60 and his passing was superb.
Hughes, playing on the back end was able to resecure the third period, two-goal lead just 38 seconds after the Sharks crawled within a goal. The goal came from a fluttering wrist-shot and a perfect screen. Still, it was something an All-Star player does when the team needs it most. He finished the game a plus one, registered one hit and three shots on goal. He looks ready to dominate the All-Star weekend.
Final thoughts…
Next. Canucks: Analyzing the 20-goal candidates. dark
The Canucks got the job done and secured top spot in the Pacific Division for the time being. Most players head off for a quick vacation, but for Markstrom, Pettersson and Hughes, it’s time for the stars to align at the 2020 All-Star Game. Vancouver takes on the St. Louis Blues at Rogers Arena on Jan. 27. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.