Canucks: 3 takeaways from 4-3 shootout loss vs Wild

Toffoli makes a difference, can’t score the shootout winner

Number 73 made his presence known in Van-City. Toffoli, a Stanley Cup champion and three-time 20-goal scorer with 47 playoff games under his belt made quite the impact in his Canucks debut. He fit in quite nicely on the top line and proved for however long it takes, he can serve as the perfect Boeser replacement.

He racked up an impressive 18:52 of ice time and even got a look from Green in overtime. Not surprising how quickly his experience was welcomed and how fast he managed to win over the confidence of the coach. He finished the contest with four shots on goal, two hits, one blocked shot, zero penalty minutes, an even plus/minus and a slick primary assist on the Canucks second goal of the game.

It happened quickly and Toffoli gets the monkey off his back right out of the gate. His first point wearing the orca came in the offensive zone when Toffoli scooped the puck off the ride side half-wall. He took a few strides towards to net and let off an accurate half-speed wrist shot that was deflected in front by Miller and directly past the Minnesota netminder to tie the game.

After Pettersson converted in the shootout, the Canucks drew on Toffoli with an opportunity to close out the game. Toffoli took the chance he was given, gave a big sweeping deke in an attempt to close out the game, but he oversold it, fell over and failed to score the game-winner. All-in-all though, a great first game for Toffoli.