Canucks: 3 takeaways from dominant 5-2 win over Rangers

Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) is chased by New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers (57) is chased by New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports
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Lammikko, Highmore lead the depth scoring once again

Don’t look now, but the Canucks might have one of the hottest fourth lines in the league with Tyler Motte, Juho Lammikko and Matthew Highmore.

Heading into Sunday’s game, the trio had been on a bit of an offensive tear, combining for nine points in the past four games, and they made sure to carry that production into the Big Apple.

After surviving some intense pressure in their own end to start the second frame, the fourth line was able to counter right afterwards. The play started with Motte who, after retrieving the puck behind Alexandar Georgiev, was able to send it hard around the boards and eventually onto the stick of Luke Schenn at the blueline.

Without hesitation, Schenn directed the puck back towards the Rangers’ net, giving Lammikko the perfect opportunity to skillfully deflect the puck over Georgiev and into the back of the cage to extend his team’s lead to three.

With the tally, Lammikko now has three goals in his past six games, to go along with two helpers.

The fourth line was also rewarded with some powerplay time, and they made sure to make the most of it. With just nine seconds left to go on their man advantage, the second unit was able to draw up a similar play to the third goal, with Oliver Ekman-Larsson playing the role of Schenn at the blueline and Highmore playing the role of Lammikko in front of the net.

The second period tally marked Highmore’s first-career powerplay goal, as well as his first-career powerplay point.

Motte, Lammikko and Highmore would go on to combine for three points and a plus three rating on the night, with all three players logging just over 13 minutes of ice time in the victory.

Like we said, they’re so hot right now.