Canucks inch closer to playoffs with seismic 6-2 win over Dallas

The playoffs seem closer now than ever for the Vancouver Canucks, as they defeat the Dallas Stars and extend their winning streak to six games.

Despite the absences of captain Bo Horvat and recently hot Alex Chiasson, who was ruled out shortly before the game with a non-COVID related illness, the Canucks still found a way to win. Five different forwards contributed goals, and their solid defensive play helped sealed the deal in yet another do-or-die contest.

With the victory, the Canucks are now two points closer to a playoff spot, trailing Dallas by just five points for the second and final wild card spot. More importantly, and more realistically, the team is also just four points back of the Los Angeles Kings, who currently hold third place in the Pacific Division with one less game on the schedule.

It also helped that the Vegas Golden Knights lost to the New Jersey Devils on Monday night, increasing Vancouver’s chances even more.

Elias Pettersson, yet again, had an impressive game against the Stars – something he seems to do every time he plays them. Two goals and an assist showed up on Pettersson’s stat sheet this time around, building on his impressive play as of late.

Although goals usually outweigh assists when it comes to storylines, Pettersson’s helper also showed the progress he has made as an up-and-coming superstar in the NHL. And yes, we said superstar, Mr. Allvin.

In his two previous games against the Stars this season, Pettersson notched three goals and two assists, including a highlight-reel snipe through the legs of Joe Pavelski. When Pettersson found himself on a 2-on-1 with Brock Boeser, both the defenceman and Jake Oettinger committed fully to Pettersson, leaving Boeser with a wide-open net to shoot at.

Great players draw others to them, and that’s exactly what Pettersson did.

Pettersson was not the only multi-point Canuck this game. Boeser and Jason Dickinson each scored a goal and two assists, while Vasily Podkolzin had one of each. Blueliner Oliver Ekman-Larsson registered two assists as well.

Roope Hintz scored both Stars goals, which both came on special teams: a first period powerplay goal that tied the game at one, and a second period short-handed goal that cut Vancouver’s lead to 3-2.

What does this mean for the Canucks’ playoff hopes?

A key characteristic of every championship-winning team is resilience; the ability to quickly overcome adversity. While many don’t think of the Canucks as contenders, they find ways to win, which is of immense value in the playoffs.

Another key playoff attribute is toughness – a category in which the Canucks excelled Monday night.

It seemed that every time he was on the ice, Will Lockwood would lay a hit that made you wince just imagining the pain that the other guy must feel.

Luke Schenn also had a massive fight against Jamie Benn, after the Dallas captain laid out Quinn Hughes.

In other words, should the Canucks make the playoffs, their toughness will be a strength to them.

The Canucks face off against the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night in the second half of their back-to-back set. A win would place them a point ahead of the Golden Knights with the same amount of games played.

In addition, if Los Angeles lose to the Anaheim Ducks and the Canucks beat the Senators, the Canucks will be two points behind the Kings with a game in hand.

A day or two ago, it was a stretch for the Canucks to make the playoffs. Today, they have a legitimate chance. Tomorrow, if things go their way, they could be two points out.

Chants of “Bruce, there it is” filled Rogers Arena once again on Monday night. Perhaps the playoffs are not out of reach and such chants can ring through the arena a little longer.

Puck drop is set for 7:00pm PST on Tuesday.

What are your thoughts from Monday’s massive 6-2 win against Dallas? Let us know in the comments!