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Canucks: 3 takeaways from 2-1 OT win against Anaheim

By Zaahid Lalani

Dec 29, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) blocks a shot by Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) in the second period of the game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson (36) blocks a shot by Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) in the second period of the game at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Garland, Horvat lead the charge

Conor Garland and Bo Horvat came to play on Wednesday night.

With the red-hot Brock Boeser added to the team’s COVID-19 protocol list right before the morning skate, it was evident that Garland and Horvat would have to carry much of the responsibility for this club, and they definitely didn’t disappoint.

Let’s start with Garland.

The 25-year-old was his usual self in Anaheim, using his speed to consistently enter the offensive zone while also showcasing his creative twists and turns to bounce away from his opponents.

Garland once again skated on a line with Elias Pettersson and Vasily Podkolzin, with the trio buzzing all night long. Their momentum was highlighted by a glorious breakaway chance for Garland, as well as a two-on-one opportunity with Pettersson, but both were ultimately foiled by Gibson.

Garland finished the evening with five shots on goal in just over 16 minutes of ice time.

Horvat also made sure to put up a strong performance for his team.

The captain found himself back on a line with Jason Dickinson and Nils Höglander and, similar to Garland-Pettersson-Podkolzin, found a way to rediscover their chemistry that they had established before Christmas.

Despite not registering a point, Horvat was one of Vancouver’s most dangerous forwards on Wednesday, creating multiple scoring chances in each of the periods. The 26-year-old center almost tied the game at 1-1 in the middle frame, but was unable to bury an in-close pass from Dickinson, who also appeared to second guess himself on the play.

Horvat finished the contest with six shots on goal in 17:32 TOI, tying him for second-most registered SOG on the team alongside Höglander. Pearson was able to record seven, setting a season-high.

Whether you blame rust, Gibson or a combination of the two, you can’t deny that Horvat and Garland were two of the most dominant Canucks throughout the contest, something that coaching staff and fans alike would love to see continue for the remainder of the season.

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