Canucks outshoot Rangers 39-12, lose 5-3

1-0 Canucks

That is Hughes’s 400th career point, the seventh fastest defenceman to hit that mark in NHL history. Side note: Not shown in that replay, but that was a great zone entry by Jonathan Lekkerimäki, and solid awareness to get to the net and box out the Rangers defenceman. Good to see from a player whose main case to be in the lineup right now is his power play prowess.

The Canucks nearly pushed their lead to two as Elias Pettersson read a JT Miller pass like a book and turned it into a giveaway for New York’s number eight. Pettersson sent Nils Höglander the other way on an odd-man rush, but Höglander bobbled the puck while trying to go through his legs just like he did back on January 8th. Also, Miller didn’t really try to backcheck on the play, instead deciding to hook Pettersson.

All in all, it was a dominant opening 20 minutes for the Canucks, who outshot the home team by a tally of 11-1, leading to the Rangers faithful booing their team.

The second period began with a weak Rangers wrist shot from the point, but it was on goal, leading to their second shot of the game and a Bronx cheer from the home crowd.

The Rangers had some more fight to begin the second, but Matt Rempe took a very unnecessary holding penalty to kill any momentum they had built. Then while shorthanded, Igor Shesterkin grabbed Kiefer Sherwood and was called for a bizarre interference penalty.

The Canucks’ power plays didn’t really matter though, because the officials apparently felt bad for the lifeless Rangers, as they took the Canucks off the power play for this “roughing” call to Jake DeBrusk.

With just under ten minutes to go in the second, the Rangers managed their fourth shot on goal. Unfortunately for the Canucks, it was deflected in past Kevin Lankinen.

1-1, with the Canucks outshooting the Rangers 22-4.

Both Elias Pettersson and Nils Höglander weren’t on the bench to begin the third period. Pettersson exited during the second but did return after appearing to tweak something on this faceoff.

The Rangers jumped to their first lead of the game early in the third, when Alex Lafreniere and JT Miller combined on a pretty passing play to set up Jonny Brodzinski at the front of the net.

2-1 Rangers.

With Teddy Blueger and Pius Suter serving as the Canucks’ new first line centres, Quinn Hughes tried to do everything in his power to bring the Canucks back into this game:

Miraculously, the Canucks tied this one up without  Hughes on the ice. After Hughes made an outlet pass to Kiefer Sherwood and went off for a change, Victor Mancini went deep and made a great play to set up Drew O’Connor, who pounced on his own rebound to tie this one up.

2-2.

The Rangers jumped ahead once again as K’Andre Miller fired a puck into traffic with speed that deflected off of Quinn Hughes’ skate and past Kevin Lankinen.

3-2 Rangers.

Then Brock Boeser continued his hot streak, as he scored in his third straight game. Five goals in three games.

3-3. 

Then the Rangers came down off the rush and scored seconds later.

That is just one the Canucks absolutely need a save on. 4-3 Rangers.

Four goals on 11 shots.

With over two and a half minutes remaining, the Canucks pulled Kevin Lankinen for an extra attacker. They came oh so close, with Hughes and Boeser leading the charge, but it wasn’t enough. And from 200 feet, JT Miller added an empty netter to put the finishing touches on this one.

5-3 Rangers final.

Some more takeaways from today’s game:

-I always thought I’d like to see Matt Rempe in Canucks colours. But between Hughes embarassing him and the stupid holding penalty on Garland in the second, I’d much rather have Nikita Zadorov if I had my choice.
-I didn’t realize just how awful the Rangers are at defending.
-Lekkerimäki is showing so many great flashes. An offseason of training and getting stronger should serve him very well.
-Game management from NHL officials is such a joke. That roughing call on DeBrusk is just ridiculous.
-The Canucks outplayed the Rangers all game long.
-Awesome to see Dakota Joshua get one after some hard work.
-Season high 39 shots for the Canucks. Season-low 12 shots against, and they lose 5-3. Speechless.

What’s your instant reaction to this game?