3. Shotgun Jake gets on the score sheet
Jake Virtanen got the Canucks on the board early in the game with his first goal in six games. It started with a great forecheck from Tyler Motte and Virtanen made no mistake on the wraparound. Just like that, you can bet the beers were flowing in Vancouver.
Just 2:50 into the 1st, @Jake_Virtanen gives the #Canucks a 1-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/NBKjP7skko
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 4, 2020
Virtanen has been criticized by fans and pundits throughout the playoffs for not only scoring but not being effective. He was both of those things in this one. Virtanen looked good breaking the puck out and on the forecheck. His stride was strong and he looked poised for more goals. He could have had a second in the third but was denied by Lehner on the breakaway.
There was a bit of a scare when Virtanen got rocked by the opposition skating up the ice. Shoulder to shoulder collision and Virtanen went down like a sack of potatoes. Possibly winded, he was tended to by the medical staff for a minute or two before he got up and skated to the bench on his own ability.
His smile after the game when he congratulated Demko on the big win says it all though. He shook it off and should be good to go for Game 7.
Conclusion
It’s do or die for and both teams now. Cancel all your Friday plans because this one will be a thrilling game. Puck drop is at 6 p.m.. Whatever happens, this has been one incredible journey for the underdog Canucks.