Canucks: 3 takeaways from exciting 4-2 win against Washington

1. Pettersson Catches A Break 

As of late, Pettersson’s play has left the fanbase a little divided to say the least, with some fans getting impatient and others holding onto the belief for the young Swede.

Since the New Year, Petey hadn’t scored a single point and, with the frustrating start to their road trip, it looked like he was far from getting out of this tough stretch.

We will not be screaming “HE IS BACK!” from the mountain tops just yet, but his gameplay was a serious throwback to what we really know and love of Pettersson.

The patience on the first goal, the creativity on the second, and the fast puck movement on the powerplay made him a real difference-maker in this game.

Pettersson took just four shots but still got a chance for a hattrick late in the third period, which he unfortunately failed to take advantage of. Despite the missed opportunity, Pettersson still knows that he’s on the cusp of breaking through.

Even Boudreau chimed in with praise.

Petey has never necessarily lacked confidence, so a statement like this is a good sign for the young superstar.

2. Back-To-Back starts? No problem for Demko

Demko played well the whole game, looked focused, sharp, and ready for action from the start of the game.

That wasn’t the original plan.

Just hours before puck drop, the team announced that Jaroslav Halak, who was the expected starter, was placed on the team’s COVID-19 protocol list, forcing Demko between the pipes for the second consecutive day.

only conceding when his team was on the penalty kill.

Demko made 31 saves en route to his team’s win, while also reaching a milestone of his own.

Demko became just the second drafted goalie in franchise history to play 103 games, behind Glen Hanlon who played 136 as a Canucks draftee.

His impact was unmissable as he made save after save when the Capitals held more of the puck, including a big breakaway save on Nic Dowd in the second period to allow the Canucks to maintain their lead.

It also helped that Demko’s teammates finally provided him with some goals on the other end of his ice.

With the team not playing until Tuesday in Nashville, it would not be a huge surprise if Demko played once more to help his team secure one more victory on the road.

3. Finally Some Life From The Powerplay 

The powerplay has been somewhat extinct lately, so it is understandable if most fans went into a state of shock in the second period.

After failing to capitalize on their powerplay chances in the past three games, the Canucks went 2-for-2 on the man advantage, thanks to Pettersson and Horvat, whose tally eventually stood as the game winner.

The successful powerplay also helped a few other players get back on the scoresheet, including Hughes.

Hughes finished the game with two assists himself, bringing his season point total to 30.

It comes a no real surprise that the team is more competitive and harder to beat once they can take advantage of the other team’s penalties.

With a star-studded first unit, there is little excuse for the Canucks to not take advantage of their powerplay opportunities. On Sunday, in particular, it was encouraging to see such great puck movement from the primary unit, something that fans are hoping will continue moving forward to make their team more competitive and, more importantly, harder to beat.

The Canucks will wrap up their five-game road trip on Tuesday at Bridgestone Arena, taking on the Nashville Predators. Puck drop is set for 5:00pm PST.

What are your thoughts from Sunday’s 4-2 win in Washington? Make sure to drop a comment below!