Bad timing
With Myers absent for at least the near future, the Canucks depth on the back-end will continue to be tested. Fantenberg’s showing Sunday night will allow the teams’ coaching staff to feel a little more comfortable.
The one bright spot in Myers’ absence from the Canucks lineup Sunday night meant, in theory, fewer penalties. Out was Myers, who managed penalties in five of six contests (20 PIM), and in came Benn in his absence.
The return? Far less minor penalties. The Canucks were shorthanded just two times in the game, and while a tightly officiated affair may have played a role, the team still surrendered their fewest penalty minutes (6) in a playoff game this season.
The timeliness, however, of the penalties they did end up taking were problematic.
With an even 2:00 left in the game and the score gridlocked at a 2-2 tie, Loui Eriksson was called on a blatant high-stick against Blues forward Jordan Kyrou. The Canucks managed to steer out of the period unharmed, thanks in part to a shot block from Alex Edler and diving clearing attempt from Brandon Sutter.
Then again in the overtime frame, the Canucks were once again caught on an undisciplined play. After the team began gaining some momentum in O.T., Jake Virtanen tripped Blues forward Sammy Blais in front of an on-ice official for yet another minor penalty. The Canucks fearless shot blockers in Tyler Motte and Jordie Benn once again kept the score at bay and allow the team out unscathed.
While the Canucks don’t have control over at times suspect officiating, they did have control over their discipline with and without the puck. It’s crucial the Canucks stray away from untimely penalties in order to bounce back against the Blues Monday.
Vancouver and St. Louis will face off once again Monday night for Game 4, with puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. (PT).