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

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.