Canucks: 3 takeaways from 6-5 OT loss to the Calgary Flames

The Vancouver Canucks are keeping it really interesting for these final few games of the year.

The team returned home on Sunday night, facing off against the Calgary Flames for the first of three contests to wrap up their never-ending season.

As we’re all used to by now, the Canucks were playing yet another back-to-back situation, and were looking to secure their first two-game winning streak in almost a month.

Spoiler alert. That didn’t happen.

It was a disastrous first 40 minutes for the Canucks. Once again, they allowed the first goal of the game, which was followed up by a defensive collapse in the middle frame that resulted in four more goals for the visitors. The team entered the second intermission trailing by a score of 5-1, with the team spiralling faster than Ian Clark’s congratulatory video montage for his 1500th game in the NHL.

But, much like Saturday’s contest, the Canucks exploded offensively in the third period, giving viewers a watered-down, less-talented version of the Lightning/Panthers playoff game that took place hours before this one.

Led by J.T. Miller and Quinn Hughes, who both recorded three-point nights, the team was able to tally four straight goals to send the game to overtime. The Canucks would eventually lose the contest in the extra frame by a score of 6-5, providing the fanbase with easily the most frustrating defeat of the season.

With that being said, here are three takeaways from last night’s loss:

NHL debut for Jonah Gadjovich

After what feels like an eternity for the fanbase, Jonah Gadjovich finally suited up for the Canucks on Sunday night.

The 22-year-old left winger was called up from the Utica Comets at the beginning of the month, with many believing he would make his NHL debut during the Winnipeg series last week.  However, due to team recall maximums, as well as Utica’s regular season schedule, Gadjovich wasn’t eligible to make his debut until Sunday.

And the organization didn’t waste any time making it happen.

Gadjovich was slotted into the fourth line, playing alongside Tyler Graovac and Jayce Hawyrluk, all while adding onto the spelling difficulties that his linemates already presented with their last names.

Unfortunately, the first period didn’t go exactly as planned for the former 2017 draft pick. He logged five shifts and one hit, but also coughed up the puck at his own blueline to Flames’ forward Josh Leivo, who was able to convert on the breakaway for the opening goal of the game.

Gadjovich responded well in the second period, dropping the gloves with Connor Mackey after a dangerous hit to teammate Matthew Highmore. Gadjovich held his ground quite well, landing a fleury of right-hand punches at the end of the scrap.

Gadjovich was assessed a two-minute instigator minor penalty, as well as a five-minute fighting major and a 10-minute instigator misconduct.

He returned to action midway through the third period, but, much like the rest of the bottom six, didn’t see another shift for the remainder of the game. He finished his NHL debut with 4:55 of ice time, one hit and 17 PIM.

It wasn’t the prettiest debut for Gadjovich, but that wasn’t expected from the 6’2, 200-pound power forward.

In addition to stepping up for a teammate, Gadjovich showcased his strength and determination whenever he stepped over the boards, and was able to experience the thrills of NHL overtime with his teammates. At this point in the year, we’re hoping Gadjovich dresses for the remaining two games and continues to develop his game.

Not to mention, his beard is the closest thing to playoffs for this team.