Three takeaways from Canucks tough 4-1 loss to Carolina Hurricanes

After two losses in Florida, the Vancouver Canucks headed up the American East Coast to Raleigh to take on the Carolina Hurricanes in an early game.

Unfortunately, the Canucks now have lost three straight as they fell to the Hurricanes 4-1.

Jaroslav Halak was supposed to get the start on Saturday but it was announced 40 minutes before puck drop that he was placed into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol. The Canucks then recalled Spencer Martin from the taxi squad and as a result, Thatcher Demko started his fourth game in a row.

Despite letting in four goals, Demko didn’t look that bad. His best save was one off a Sebastian Aho tip with the right pad.

The Canucks had a hard time stopping Aho, Martin Necas, (who was celebrating his 23rd birthday.) Andrei Svechnikov and Vincent Trocheck as they were all over them.

The Hurricanes showed off why they are among the NHL’s elite teams. They were quick on the rush, got plenty of high danger scoring chances and defended well against the Canucks. It looked like Vancouver couldn’t keep up with Carolina’s fast pace.

The Canucks only goal came from Bo Horvat in the first period. His shot just fooled Frederik Andersen.

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1482421204963180547

“We’ve been playing some really good hockey teams,” said Horvat after the game per Thomas Drance of The Athletic. “It’s a good test for us to see where we’re at, but it’s not good enough.”

These last three games show that the Canucks aren’t good enough to compete with the best teams in the league and these last three games showed that. Sure, they outplayed the Panthers and Lightning but those teams still found ways to win. Against the Hurricanes, Vancouver couldn’t keep up with them but made it close in the first and about half of the second period. It’s been a tough road trip.

Here are three takeaways from a tough 4-1 loss to Carolina.