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Canucks gameday: Attempting to gain the lead vs. Vegas

By Brayden Ursel

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - AUGUST 25: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by his teammates, Alexander Edler #23, Tyler Toffoli #73 and Tanner Pearson #70 after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on August 25, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - AUGUST 25: Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks is congratulated by his teammates, Alexander Edler #23, Tyler Toffoli #73 and Tanner Pearson #70 after scoring a goal against the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on August 25, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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The Vancouver Canucks showed the world that they can run with the big dogs with a Game 2 victory. They’ll look for a repeat performance on Thursday night.

It’s incredible what the Vancouver Canucks can do when they set their minds to the task at hand. After a dreadful outing in Game 1 on the Western Conference semi-finals that saw the Canucks get whooped five zip, Travis Green shook up the lines to match speed with speed and ended up getting the absolute best from of his players.

With a healthy Tyler Toffoli drawing back into the lineup after missing 10 games with an ankle injury, Vancouver had a complete top-six and they were able to show everyone how dangerous they really are when given the proper opportunity.

His 49 games of NHL Playoffs experience came in handy just nine seconds into his opening shift. He hopped the bench, drove towards the net, and was wide open on the doorstep to put the puck home against a yawning cage and an out of position goaltender.

The unexpected line of Tanner Pearson and Toffoli flanking the wings of the Canucks best forward Elias Pettersson was off the charts impressive. The trio combined for seven points on the night and should be the team’s go-to offensive threat moving forward into Game 3.

Players to watch

Elias Pettersson: He was electric in Vancouver’s bounceback game. Stopping at nothing to secure the win, he was all over the ice. Every time he touched the puck something magical happened and he’ll be looking to do the same in the third game of this series. Proving to be an All-star performer, Pettersson has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) through 12 NHL playoff games.

Marc-Andre Fleury: It’s unknown if he’ll get the nod from Peter Deboer, but after Robin Lehner let five past him on 31 shots, who knows what Vegas will do. Fleury is a five-time Stanley Cup finalist and a three-time winner Stanley Cup winner. He’s as solid as they come in the goaltending department, and in my opinion, he’s the better fit for this series. 80 NHL Playoffs wins.

Tyler Toffoli: What more can you ask for? In his return to the lineup, he was perfect. His first nine seconds of ice time led to the opening goal and he followed it up with two primary assists. He’s been the perfect fit to complete the Canucks’ top-six and he has the playoff experience to boot. Look for Toffoli to continue his winning ways next to EP40 and best friend, Pearson.

Mark Stone: He’s a hound on the puck and he’s always involved in the play whether it’s offensively or defensively. No. 61 has 10 points (five goals, five assists) through 10 NHL playoff games and Deboer will want his assistant captain in peak performance for Game 3. Vegas needs to get to the net and cause havoc against Jacob Markstrom.

Prediction

The Canucks battled back and once again proved they can handle matching up versus the NHL’s best all-around teams. The Game 2 victory wasn’t an easy win whatsoever, and the Canucks will need to bring just as much intensity for the next heavyweight tilt. Vegas isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and the Canucks know this. I expect a similar game, but Vegas should be willing to do whatever it takes to disturb the crease of Markstrom.

Next. Canucks: 3 takeaways from Game 2 win vs. Vegas. dark

I’ll say this game will need the extra frame to close things out, but I’m not sure who takes home the win. It’ll come down to whoever wants it more. The puck drops at 6:45 PM Pacific time on Thursday. Get your popcorn ready!

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