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

By Zaahid Lalani

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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Special teams actually look special

Yes, you read that right.

After surrendering six powerplay goals against Toronto, San Jose and Anaheim earlier in the month, it appears that the Canucks have been able to clean up their penalty killing strategies, and they put that on full display on Sunday night.

The team found themselves shorthanded twice in the first period, but were able to fend off the Rangers on both opportunities. As expected, Demko was the main saving grace while shorthanded, but some of his teammates also took on the important responsibility, specifically Myers, who looked defensively sound in his own zone.

Vancouver finished the evening three-for-three while shorthanded, which is no easy feat against the Rangers, who currently hold the second best home powerplay success rate in the league, in addition to having three players in the top-ten for powerplay points in Panarin, Zibanejad and Adam Fox.

With the clean sweep on Sunday, Vancouver has now gone perfect on the penalty kill in their last three contests.

Their powerplay hasn’t been too shabby either, firing at an impressive success rate of 41.7% over the past week, good for second in the league. Most of their damage took place on Thursday night against Calgary, but it clearly sparked the primary unit, who were able to trap New York in their own zone for 1:51 before they finally got a whistle.

Other notes:

  • With two more primary assists on Sunday night, J.T. Miller was able to extend his point streak (four goals, nine assists) to six games. The 29-year-old forward, who has been at the centre of trade rumours for majority of 2022, has now recorded three straight multi-assist outings and is halfway to beating the franchise record held by Henrik Sedin.
  • Pettersson also managed to keep his point streak alive with his empty-netter. The young Swede now has four goals and seven assists in his past five contests, as well as 21 points in his past 17 games.

The Canucks are back in action on Monday night, wrapping up the second half of their back-to-back against Jack Hughes and the New Jersey Devils. Puck drop is set for 4:30pm PST.

Next. Revisiting Brock Boeser's career in his first 300 games. dark

What are your thoughts from Sunday night’s convincing win in New York? Let us know in the comments!

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