Let’s take a look back at the Vancouver Canucks’ 2019-20 season that was full of so many unforgettable moments.
It was a roller-coaster ride for the Vancouver Canucks in their 50th season, to say the least.
The 2019-20 NHL season was put on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic back in March. After what seemed like an eternity, hockey finally returned in August.
The Canucks ended a five-year playoff drought after defeating the Minnesota Wild in the qualifying round. They dethroned the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues in round one before bowing out to the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 7 of the second round.
Overall, it was a wonderful and thrilling ride. Rookieblueliner Quinn Hughes came in to the league and asserted himself as a superstar and franchise building block.
Elias Pettersson was immune to the sophomore slump, and he’s quickly developing into one of the NHL’s elite centres. Bo Horvat looks like a worthy team captain. 2019 offseason acquisition J.T. Miller provided critics wrong of the the trade by leading the team with 72 points.
Jacob Markstrom continued to show that he’s one of the NHL’s elite goalies. Thatcher Demko displayed the ability to be a regular starting goalie. (Credit to goalie coach Ian Clark here.)
With that all said, let’s take a look back at some of the best moments from 2019-20.
A home opener to remember
The home opener took place on Oct. 9, and it was filled with pregame festivities to celebrate the team’s 50th anniversary. Notable Canucks alumni were there for the celebration including Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Todd Bertuzzi, Stan Smyl and Orland Kurtenbach.
Both Henrik and Kurtenbach presented Horvat as the 14th captain in franchise history,
Of course, the game itself was even better, as the Canucks cruised to an easy 8-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings.
Hughes scored his first career NHL goal on the power play in the opening frame. Fellow defencemen Chris Tanev and Alex Edler, also found the back of the net. Miller got his first as a Canuck and Brandon Sutter even chipped in with two goals of his own.
It is without a doubt that Quinn Hughes’ first goal of his NHL career was our @REMAXWesternCan Move of the Week. pic.twitter.com/PcWGhWiSOv
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 13, 2019
It was a very exciting game to watch, as the skill from the young core was on full display.
That game feels like it happened so long ago. I almost forgot Tyler Toffoli was still with the Kings. He even scored that night.
You couldn’t have asked for a better home opener. What a way to celebrate 50 years as a franchise.