VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks are facing a numbers game, and unfortunately, none of the figures are in their favor as they strive for a playoff spot.
Their recent 3-2 defeat at home against the Vegas Golden Knights, marking their fourth loss in the last five games, has significantly hampered Vancouver’s chances of advancing to the National Hockey League playoffs.
Trailing the Minnesota Wild by eight points with only five games remaining and lacking the tie-breaker advantage in regulation wins, the Canucks have virtually no room for error. To keep their playoff aspirations alive, they must secure a victory on Tuesday in Dallas as they commence a challenging two-game road trip against the Stars.
Earlier on Sunday, Minnesota edged out Dallas 3-2 in overtime, overcoming a late power play by the Stars before capitalizing on their own power play for the win.
Conversely, the Canucks conceded the decisive goal to the Golden Knights with just 3:14 left on the clock. A series of defensive lapses allowed Victor Olofsson to score unchallenged from the low slot.
Despite their season hanging in the balance, the depleted Canucks managed a mere two shots on goal in the third period. This occurred even with a strong comeback performance from Vancouver’s goalie, Kevin Lankinen, who had previously conceded 14 goals in his preceding three appearances.
“It seemed like we didn`t exert enough pressure,” Canucks winger Nils Hoglander, who returned to the lineup after recovering from an injury and scored a goal, commented to reporters. “After they scored, it became quite difficult to rally back.”
The recurring pattern of being outmatched in the third period—witnessing the opposing team step up during critical moments—has become a disturbing trend for Vancouver. This downturn has unfolded over three weeks, pushing them away from a wild-card playoff berth in the Western Conference.
The Canucks, already missing key centers Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil, who are unlikely to travel for the upcoming games in Dallas and Denver, have a record of 1-3-1 in their last five matches. Meanwhile, the Wild have shown resilience in finding ways to win. Adding to their woes, the St. Louis Blues, who surpassed Vancouver for the final playoff spot on March 20, have been performing strongly, dominating opponents as they head towards the Stanley Cup playoffs.
“We persevered,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet noted on Sunday night. “However, it was evident we weren`t in possession of the puck enough in the latter half of the game. They dictated the play, leaving us in a position of hanging on. It becomes challenging when you lack puck control, though I did see considerable effort from many players.”
When questioned about sustaining team confidence amidst the bleak standings, Tocchet responded, “Confidence isn`t something you can purchase. It`s cultivated daily through effort. Overcoming challenges and handling adversity also builds confidence. If you can navigate difficulties, you should naturally feel confident. But confidence isn’t just switched on; it’s developed over time.”
With five players in their current lineup who have spent significant portions of this season in the American Hockey League, the Canucks are in a phase of intensive development during these concluding games.
Aatu Raty, one of the recent call-ups at center, exemplified both the potential and the shortcomings typical of promising young players.
The 22-year-old, stepping into a third-line role due to Nils Aman`s injury during Wednesday’s practice, aggressively positioned himself in front of the Vegas net to score Vancouver’s equalizing goal in the second period.
However, Raty was also among the Canucks at fault for Olofsson’s game-winning goal. He applied only a weak stick check before allowing the Golden Knight to move to the net front and convert William Karlsson’s pass. Canucks rookie defenseman Vittorio Mancini was focused on Karlsson while Olofsson slipped behind him, and veteran Vancouver winger Dakota Joshua couldn`t retreat quickly enough to counter the Vegas attack.
“It’s frustrating to concede that goal at the end,” Raty admitted, indicating he would review the play again. “If you aspire to play for a top-tier team, the coach must have confidence in you in every situation. Every player at this level is exceptional, demanding strong defensive play from everyone.”
“He is still developing,” Tocchet commented on Raty. “He’s a young player, and mistakes are part of the learning curve. However, I appreciate his commitment. We just need to continue working with him.”
It was challenging to fault the Canucks’ effort against the 2023 Stanley Cup champions and perennial contenders.
After Hoglander initiated the scoring at 4:46 in the first period with a rebound goal, Ivan Barbashev equalized for Vegas at 8:36. Barbashev found open ice behind Canucks defenseman Filip Hronek, skated across goalie Lankinen, and scored inside the far post.
Lankinen blocked Nicolas Roy’s shot during another Golden Knights rush but watched helplessly as the puck rebounded off Mancini’s skate and into the net at 13:15.
Following several crucial saves by Lankinen early in the second period, Raty tied the game 2-2 at 8:03. He capitalized on another rebound after Vegas goalie Adin Hill initially stopped the Canuck’s deflection of Hronek’s point shot. Joshua initiated the play by intercepting the puck in the neutral zone.
Raty moved towards the front corner of the crease, positioning himself in front of Hill, who raised his glove for protection just before the puck arrived. Vegas coach Bruce Cassidy challenged the play for goalie interference, but after a prolonged video review, referees Peter MacDougall and Eric Furlatt upheld the goal.
However, during Vancouver’s subsequent power play, Hill made a critical save, quickly moving forward and to his left—remaining upright—to catch Pius Suter’s quick wrist shot from the low slot after a pass from Conor Garland. Olofsson later scored from a similar position in the third period.
The Golden Knights outshot the Canucks 25-9 in the final two periods, including a 12-2 margin in the deciding third period.
“Yes, a disappointing outcome,” Lankinen expressed. “Naturally, that’s my primary thought right now. I believe we competed hard against a strong team, but the result is not what we aimed for.”
And desperately needed.
ICE CHIPS
Tyler Myers, the Canucks’ most seasoned defenseman, was absent for the second consecutive game due to an undisclosed injury. Quinn Hughes, playing despite injury, was on the ice for all three Vegas goals and concluded with a minus-three rating, bringing his season rating to even. The Norris Trophy recipient is now minus-15 in 16 games since returning from an oblique injury.
Tristan Blackwood