Canucks: Three takeaways from appalling 4-1 loss to Penguins

Nov 24, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Zach Aston-Reese (12) scores a goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Zach Aston-Reese (12) scores a goal against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) during the second period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
3 of 3
Nov 24, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Pens won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) skates with the puck against Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena. The Pens won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

3. Special teams weren’t special again.

It wasn’t as bad as previous games but there hasn’t been much improvement in the special teams department against the Penguins.

The Canucks came into the game with the worst penalty kill in the league and the Penguins came in with the worst power play in the league. It was an easily movable force meeting a very stoppable object.

The penalty kill went three for four and it for sure would have been worse without Demko’s saves.

The Canucks penalty killers were all over the place and Bryan Rust beat Demko with the one-timer.

They only gave up one Pittsburgh power play goal but once again, there were too many turnovers and too many times where they let the Penguins get an easy scoring chance.

This play kind of sums up the night the Canucks had. On the penalty kill, Tyler Myers’ clearing attempt hits Miller in the back and as a result, Myers and Poolman have scramble back as two Penguins were left alone. Fortunately, they were bailed out by Demko.

The Canucks did get one power play attempt but it looked predictable and stale.

Other notes

  • Brock Boeser has had a history for scoring against the Penguins but he couldn’t find the scoresheet on Wednesday night. He now has gone eight games without a goal.
  • Elias Pettersson was once again invisible and has only two points in his last eight games
  • Out of the Canucks other than Demko who gave a decent effort, you could argue that Miller was one of them. He led all Canucks with 68.97% Corsi for. He also gave quite the answer to a question about they team buying in.

The Canucks road trip continues in Columbus where they take on the Blue Jackets on Friday. Puck drop is at 4:00 PM.