Canucks: 2 takeaways from 4-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers
The Vancouver Canucks are keeping it interesting for these final few games of the year.
The team was set to wrap up their six-game road trip on Saturday afternoon, facing off against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers for the last time this season.
In all honesty, not many people pegged the Canucks to come away with a victory.
Over the past two contests, the team had been outscored by a margin of 9-1, with most of the players just counting down the days until the offseason, and all signs were pointing to another addition to the losses column.
But, lo and behold, the Canucks were able to find a way to secure two points in a somewhat convincing fashion, defeating the Oilers by a score of 4-1.
Should we be surprised? Not necessarily.
Despite sitting near the bottom of the standings, the Canucks haven’t been that bad as of late. They entered Saturday’s matinee contest with a 2-3 record over their past five games, with two of those wins coming against playoff-bound teams.
Plus, this wouldn’t be the first time the Canucks decide to go on a hot streak after being mathematically eliminated from the postseason, so these too-little-too-late victories might as well be tradition for this city.
Listen. If you’re looking long-term for this team, like most fans are at this point in the season, then no. Now’s definitely not the time to be winning hockey games.
But, at the end of the day, the players are also still professional athletes who hate to lose, and that will go a long way in the final few games, no matter their injuries or fatigue.
And finally, if nothing has landed so far with those who are reading, then at least we can all take comfort in the fact that the Canucks won a hockey game in May. It’s the little things, folks.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at two takeaways from last night’s win!
Highmore continues to score
When news broke that Matthew Highmore was the returning piece in the Adam Gaudette trade last month, most fans didn’t know what to make of the deal.
Highmore was predominantly playing a bottom six role with the Chicago Blackhawks, having only registered two assists in 24 games played, so he didn’t exactly scream “exciting”.
As expected, Highmore was thrown right into the third and fourth line combinations, essentially becoming one more player that head coach Travis Green and co. could rotate into their disastrous bottom half of the roster.
At first, Highmore picked up right where he left off from Chicago, going pointless in his first nine games with a minus two rating. However, he was able to post 10 shots on goal during that span, and appeared to be a much-needed energy boost for the bottom six.
Highmore was eventually rewarded a role on the top two lines as a result, and he’s definitely made the most of it so far.
He skated alongside Brock Boeser and J.T. Miller on Saturday night, and registered two goals in the process, including this top shelf snipe against anti-tank advocate Mikko Koskinen:
Highmore needs to shoot high...more 🚨😏 pic.twitter.com/tbn9PWtifV
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) May 15, 2021
Over his past six contests, Highmore had recorded three goals and two assists, which puts him tied for the team lead in scoring during that span.
more like Highscore...
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) May 15, 2021
Of course, it’s extremely unlikely that Highmore will carry this offensive output into next season, the final year of his current contract, but we’ll take the goals right now, no matter who provides them.
Thatcher Demko, we are not worthy
Thatcher Demko is ready to be a bonafide #1 goalie in this league, and he’s taking every opportunity to prove it.
The 25-year-old netminder, who inked a five-year, $25 million contract extension earlier this year, has easily been the team’s MVP, and he continues to put them on his back on a nightly basis.
Despite the Canucks actually outshooting the Oilers by a margin of 41-32, the Canucks still gave up quite a few high-danger scoring chances, keeping Demko quite busy throughout the evening as a result.
And it started right off the bat.
The Canucks were awarded a powerplay opportunity less than a minute into the game, but that didn’t stop them from exposing their netminder once again. Demko was forced to make two big saves while short-handed, including a breakaway opportunity from Leon Draisaitl.
He was peppered with eight more shots during the opening frame, but was still able to help the Canucks enter the intermission only down by one goal.
The second period had its moments for the Canucks, who were able to tie the game up within the first two minutes, thanks to a shorthanded tap-in from Bo Horvat.
Bo Horvat gets a shorthanded marker setup by Pearson to tie the game! #Canucks pic.twitter.com/o49OQ4lonN
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) May 15, 2021
But once again, the Oilers were the better team overall in the middle frame, forcing Demko to make key saves while the team in front of him panicked and scrambled. He looked calm and composed for much of the game, and his fundamentals are top-notch.
Plus, we’ll take robberies like this every day of the week.
https://twitter.com/harmandayal2/status/1393671979123630084?s=20
Fortunately (or unfortunately for the #teamtank supporters), the Canucks were able to make a big push in the third period, scoring three more goals to secure the victory.
But, once again, had it not been for Demko’s heroics in the first 40 minutes, the outcome would’ve been much, much worse on the scoresheet.
It’s pretty incredible watching a talented goalie like Demko put it all together, impressive combination of athleticism, technique & competitiveness
— Satiar Shah (@SatiarShah) May 15, 2021
Other notes:
- Travis Boyd found the back of the net, notching his second goal in five games. Jimmy Vesey picked up the only assist.
- Despite last night’s win, the Canucks stayed dead last in the Scotia North Division, and 28th in the league standings. They are currently two points up on the New Jersey Devils, who wrapped up their season earlier this week. The Canucks, of course, still have three more games remaining on their schedule, and, depending on the outcome of those contests, could finish as high as 22nd.
The Canucks are right back at it on Sunday night, returning home to square off against Jacob Markstrom, Chris Tanev and the Calgary Flames. Puck drop is at 7:30pm PST.
Next. Where do the Canucks go from here during the offseason?. dark
What were your thoughts on the team’s 4-1 victory over the Oilers? Make sure to drop a comment below!