VANCOUVER — The Seattle Kraken served as an early warning for the Vancouver Canucks` current predicament. A previous overtime defeat at home against the Kraken back in December, where Vancouver squandered a 4-1 advantage, foreshadowed the challenges that would plague them later in the season.
While issues were already mounting for the Canucks due to injuries and other setbacks, the manner of that earlier loss to Seattle was a type of collapse the team had avoided in the previous season.
Leading up to this point, Vancouver had already suffered multiple defeats against teams like the Nashville Predators and Utah`s hockey club, with crucial losses occurring as teams vied for playoff spots after the February break.
During what was expected to be a strong push for a playoff wild-card position, the Canucks also lost games to the Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks, Seattle again, and recently surrendered a lead to lose in overtime against Columbus.
Therefore, when the struggling Kraken, who had traded away players and were on a losing streak, decisively defeated the Canucks 5-0 at Rogers Arena, it was not entirely unexpected.
Despite showing resilience during a recent road trip, Wednesday`s game was a reminder of the Canucks` inconsistencies throughout the season, particularly at home where they had a poor early record.
Throughout the season`s difficulties, the Canucks had demonstrated resilience and resourcefulness, aided by strong goaltending, penalty killing, defense, and the performance of Quinn Hughes. These factors kept them in playoff contention until the St. Louis Blues surged ahead.
Vancouver has had its share of positive moments and crucial wins.
However, Wednesday`s disheartening loss, where the Canucks appeared both mentally and physically drained, effectively extinguished their playoff hopes.
While not surprising, the defeat was undoubtedly painful for the team and fans alike.
Disappointed fans voiced their frustration with boos at the game`s conclusion.
Captain Hughes acknowledged the fatigue factor but dismissed it as an excuse, emphasizing the team`s awareness of their playoff chances and standings.
With only a few games remaining, the Canucks face a significant points gap to overcome for a playoff spot, with statistical models indicating a low probability of success.
After such a defeat against Seattle, questions arise about their ability to compete against stronger upcoming opponents like Vegas, Dallas, and Colorado.
The Canucks are next scheduled to play the Ducks.
Defenseman Marcus Pettersson described Wednesday`s loss as frustrating and deflating, highlighting issues with allowing Seattle`s rush offense and stressing the need for the team to regroup and continue fighting.
He affirmed the team`s commitment to persevere and bounce back strongly.
Seattle capitalized on Vancouver`s defensive vulnerabilities, scoring consistently throughout the game and dismantling any notion of a critical, must-win scenario for the Canucks.
While the Blues and Flames have shown improved performance, the Canucks faltered, exemplified by a crucial turnover that led to Seattle`s opening goal.
Seattle`s goals resulted from sharp plays and capitalizing on outnumbered rushes, highlighting defensive lapses by Vancouver. A final empty-net goal sealed the Kraken`s dominant victory.
Coach Tocchet noted the team`s early nervousness and lack of composure, particularly on power plays, which contributed to their downfall as they chased the game after conceding early goals.
The Canucks` ineffective power play, injuries to key players like Hughes and Pettersson, and the absence of Miller have compounded their challenges.
Vancouver`s defensive performance in this game was far from their recent standards. Despite similar shot counts, Seattle effectively exploited higher-quality scoring opportunities.
The loss feels like a critical blow to their playoff aspirations.
DeBrusk acknowledged his costly mistake leading to the first goal and expressed frustration with his recent performance, despite his belief in the team.
Tocchet urged players to maintain self-belief and continue pushing forward, especially for the younger team members.
Tristan Blackwood