Canucks: 3 takeaways from dominant 5-1 win over Winnipeg

Martin secures well-deserved NHL win

Miller and Boeser may have lead the way offensively, but there’s no doubt that Spencer Martin was the other star of the evening.

It had been a rollercoaster of a week for Martin, who made his Canucks debut in impressive fashion last Friday against Florida before being added to the team’s COVID-19 protocol list less than 48 hours later. The 26-year-old netminder was miraculously able to return on Tuesday night, facing 50 shots in total, but was once again robbed of the full two points against the Oilers.

And even with Jaroslav Halak cleared to play after missing the past five contests, Boudreau once again turned to Martin on Tuesday night as a result, hoping that the young netminder could execute another strong performance between the pipes.

He did not disappoint.

Martin was solid in the opening frame, turning aside nine of 10 shots faced. He continued his impressive and confident play in the middle frame, helping his team carry a lead into the second intermission for his third consecutive outing.

Fortunately for Martin, the players in front of him finally figured out how to close a game in the last 20 minutes, padding the lead with two more goals to help secure Martin’s first every NHL victory.

It’s been a fantastic story for Martin over these past three contests, turning aside 113 of 118 shots faced and securing four out of a possible six points to go along with a combined .961 SV%.

Of course, given that Halak and Thatcher Demko are poised to be back in action by the weekend, it’s likely that Martin’s big league journey will come to an end for the time being, but you never know if we’ll see him and his chrome helmet sooner than we think.

Blueline finally hits the scoresheet

We haven’t said it very much this year, but Vancouver’s defencemen were difference-makers on Thursday night.

Aside from Quinn Hughes, who sits second in team scoring with two goals and 31 assists, the blueline has been relatively quiet all season, specifically Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Tyler Myers. Prior to Thursday night, Ekman-Larsson and Myers had combined for just 17 points in 71 games, despite sitting second and third in average TOI per game amongst all players.

Both players were finally able to break their scoring slump against Winnipeg, registering primary assists in the second and third periods.

The Canucks also received some offensive support from Luke Schenn, who played one of his best games of the campaign. The 32-year-old originally found himself paired up with Brad Hunt on the third pairing, but was eventually given more ice time and responsibility after Tucker Poolman exited the game with an injury.

Schenn made the most of his increased role, posting two assists, three SOG, one takeaway and three hits in just under 18 minutes of ice time. The two-time Stanley Cup champion also showcased his strength and physicality, dropping the gloves with Adam Lowry after he stapled Hughes to the board.

Hunt also managed to register an assist, bringing the blueline point total to six against Winnipeg.

Other notes:

• Elias Pettersson also helped with his team’s offensive explosion, posting a goal and an assist in just under 16 minutes of ice time. With the two-point night, Pettersson has now notched five goals and two assists in his last six games, bringing his point total to 24 on the season.

The Canucks will continue their road trip on Saturday night, squaring off against Calgary. Puck drop is set for 7:00pm PST.