Three takeaways from Canucks 6-2 win over Ottawa Senators

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – DECEMBER 01: Conor Garland #8 of the Vancouver Canucks shoots the puck at the net as Thomas Chabot #72 of the Ottawa Senators looks on during the first period at Canadian Tire Centre on December 01, 2021 in Ottawa, Ontario. (Photo by Chris Tanouye/Getty Images)

3. Conor Garland and Quinn Hughes impress

Garland has been one of the bright spots in a miserable season.

On Wednesday night, he continued to be a bright spot. After assisting on Pearson’s goal, he also got the assist on Motte’s goal.

He and Miller were tied with the team lead in shots on goal with five. Garland led all Canucks in Corsi at even strength for with 90.91 % per NaturalStatTrick.

The Canucks also outshot the Senators 11-0 when Garland was on the ice at five-on-five

Garland once again displayed his tenacity, hands, and work ethic. He was strong in puck battles, made accurate passes, and tried to make things happen on the ice.

SportsnetStats also shared an interesting stat about Garland.

#Canucks Conor Garland's 18 points are the 2nd most by a player on a new team this season (Tony DeAngelo: 19)
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 2, 2021

After reaching 100 assists in Montreal, Quinn Hughes continued to rack up the helpers in Ottawa. He had four assists in the game which was the first four-assist game of his career. He is also the first Canucks defenceman since Alex Edler in 2009 to have four points in a game.

Quinn Hughes (0-4—4) set a new career high for assists/points in a game. He is the first @Canucks defenseman to record a four-point game since Alexander Edler on Feb. 7, 2009. #NHLStats: https://t.co/X3Xa5gI5Au pic.twitter.com/JZVlyBvPCo
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) December 2, 2021

Hughes now has 20 points in 23 games. That puts him in a four-way tie for third with Cale Makar, Aaron Ekblad, and Roman Josi for points by a defenceman this season. John Carlson and Adam Fox are tied for first each having 22 points.

The 22-year-old’s defensive play has improved from last season. Against the Senators, he looked good defensively and displayed his smooth skating, vision, and passing.

Other notes

Thatcher Demko once looked good between the pipes as he stopped 19 out of 21 Senators shots
Elias Pettersson got one assist in the game but he only managed 13:31 total ice time.
If there is one player to be negative about, it’s Brock Boeser. He didn’t look noticeable at all in the blowout win. Boeser hasn’t scored since November 7 against the Dallas Starts. He has gone 12 games with a goal

The Canucks return home and play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday at Rogers Arena. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.