Pettersson continues to put on a show
Pettersson continues to wow us throughout the postseason. It looks like he won’t be slowing down anytime soon either. Pettersson had two assists tonight and he also scored this beautiful goal, deking on Lehner in the second period when it looked like the Golden Knights were on the verge of tying the game.
Elias Pettersson with the pretty finish. Lehner is still looking for his jock strap pic.twitter.com/EuEu5Z1JNp
— /Cam Robinson/ (@Hockey_Robinson) August 26, 2020
Pettersson was shooting sharply on the net, making great passes, and using his moves to get around the defenders all game. His offensive game is what makes him so great but his defensive game doesn’t get nearly enough credit.
Take a look at this clip here. After a turnover in the neutral zone, Vegas looks to be a threat but Pettersson hustles on the backcheck and uses his stick to pickpocket the opponent and prevent the shot on target.
Elias Pettersson's offence will get the deserved attention tonight, but he's also been the hardest working forward defensively. He's applying tremendous back pressure all night and looked like Chris Tanev making this slick defensive play pic.twitter.com/RUC3FIkg8c
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) August 26, 2020
Pettersson has been a treat to watch in the playoffs and there is more to come from him. He now carries 16 points through his first 12 playoff games which is only two back of Nathan MacKinnon for the NHL lead. Very, very impressive work from the 21-year-old.
Player of the Game
We are trying something new with the post-game report at The Canuck Way. Not sure if these next segments will be a regular thing but let’s try it out here.
There were four players I had in mind for the player of the game but I could only pick one. Agree to disagree, but I think Pettersson was the best player on the ice tonight. He got three points and was great on both ends of the ice.
Pettersson had a 51.33 Corsi For Percentage and that was the most among forwards at even strength on the Canucks according to NaturalStatTrick.Com
Not bad for a guy the Golden Knights players called a “little squirt.”
Conclusion
The Canucks and Golden Knights get back at it for Game 3 on Thursday. Puck drop is at 6:45 PM Pacific. Stay safe out there and celebrate responsibly. Remember, we are still in a global pandemic. Practice physical distancing and when it isn’t possible, wear a mask.