Canucks: 3 takeaways from 3-2 OT win vs. Senators
The Vancouver Canucks arrived in Ottawa to kick-off a four-game road trip against the Senators. With a valuable two points up for grabs, the Canucks would have to find a way to win another game without Elias Pettersson in the lineup.
The 22-year-old’s health remains in question. Coming into the contest, he’d already missed five games, and with him not joining his team on the road, it’s likely he misses at least another four. Not having your star player available is never a good thing, but surprisingly enough, Vancouver has played their best hockey of the season with him out of the lineup.
That was definitely not the case on Monday night. But despite coming out flat-footed and being outplayed by the Senators for the majority of the matchup, the Canucks were able to sneak out a victory, although it nearly slipped right through their fingers. Here are three takeaways from the Canucks 3-2 overtime win against the up-and-coming Sens.
People love The Demko Show
If he hadn’t gained your confidence before tonight, he sure has now. Thatcher Demko had himself another solid game. I know, I know… What else is new, right? But it’s the truth! When all was said and done, the Canucks newly acclaimed No.1 goaltender led his team to victory stopping 44 of 46 shots and posting a fantastic 0.957 save percentage.
It was a season-high in terms of saves, and it definitely helped cushion his NHL lead in both shots against (709) and total saves (652). No doubt about it, the 24-year-old goalie is playing to the best of his ability, and he’s giving the Canucks hope of potentially making the 2021 NHL Playoffs.
Throughout the contest, Demko made more than a handful of quality stops that kept his team alive. He was by far the best player on the ice for the Canucks, and if it wasn’t for him bringing his A-game, Vancouver would have lost. Check out this big pad save against a rushing Brady Tkachuk. An absolute game-changer.
🔥 Kick. Pad. Save. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/pnvBHdNG99
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 16, 2021
Here’s another big save by the Vancouver netminder. A confident glove stop while his opponent gets a quality scoring chance off the rush in a high-danger area. No sweat for Demko.
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1371632863511126016
To say the least, Demko was lights out once again, just like he has been for the past month or so. It was a remarkable performance for the San Diego native, but for him, it was just another game and another two points for his team.
“I thought our third period was pretty solid actually […] ultimately we got two points which is all that matters,” said Demko post-game.
J.T. Miller ends it in overtime
J.T. Miller has filled Pettersson’s centre position quite seamlessly since his injury took him out of the lineup, and Travis Green has had to put more responsibility directly on the shoulders of the American. But that’s okay. Miller wants to be the guy, he wants to be the man. And last night, he was.
Logging nearly three more minutes of ice time than any other forward on the Canucks (23:30), Miller was the driving force of Vancouver’s offence. As the Canucks slowly started to give up their two-goal lead, Green did not hesitate to increase Miller’s ice time. And for good reason. The two-way player snatched up two points for his team with the game-winning shot.
Just over a minute and a half into the extra frame, Quinn Hughes corralled the puck before feeding a fresh and rested Miller who had just leaped over the bench to join the play. Rushing through the middle, Miller stepped over the blueline, split the defence, and went backhand forehand to beat a down and out Joey Daccord.
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1371638947105804291
Jayce Hawryluk scores his first goal against his former team
Other than the thrilling overtime dagger, the Canucks played a relatively boring game. They had two ugly grinder-type goals in front of a busy net, but for Jayce Hawryluk, it just felt good to score his first goal of the season and his first goal against his former club.
“It’s nice to see the puck go in. My line played really well and we generated a lot of chances. It feels good to get it against a former team,” said Hawryluk in the post-game presser.
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1371608226970488834
Hawryluk’s game had a little bit of everything. He was a plus 2 on the night, he registered 10:38 in ice time, he put one shot on goal, he had one trip to the penalty box and he finished the game with one hit.
Conclusion
The Canucks will have to play better when these two teams face off again on Wednesday. Having now won five of their last six games, Vancouver improves their record to 14-16-2, just two wins away from breaking even.
J.T. Miller playing centre gives the Canucks serious depth. dark. Next
The playoffs are becoming a small glimmer in the distance. But that glimmer shines just a little bit brighter today. Tune in to Sportsnet at 4:00 p.m. Pacific time to catch the Canucks next game, and don’t forget to jump onto The Canuck Way for the post-game report!