‘The vibes are high’: Canucks see the path to a playoff spot, through pace and positivity

That emphasis on ‘vibes’ is something the Canucks see as a core part of their mentality this year, a part that undoubtedly got away from them last season. The bad vibes started when they blew a 4-1 lead against the Calgary Flames in game one, and it all snowballed from there. In previous years, we’ve seen what difference a strong start and a happy locker room can make. Bruce Boudreau’s short tenure as Canucks coach went off a cliff in 2022-23 when they lost 12 of their first 16 games, including their first seven in a row. But we’ve also seen the reverse, when Rick Tocchet’s first full year behind the bench kicked off with the opposite start: 12 wins and four losses.

Elias Pettersson found valuable experience in winning the way they did Thursday night. “I think it builds character. We found a way to win even though it wasn’t our best. But every win comes the same and it feels good to start with one.”

Kiefer Sherwood, who scored the Canucks’ first goal of the season, echoed Pettersson’s sentiments. “It took us a little bit longer than we would have liked, but it was a whole team effort and once we got Rogers [Arena] rocking, it was pretty fun,” Sherwood said.

The Canucks got contributions from across the lineup beyond Sherwood. Filip Chytil scored twice and Jonathan Lekkerimäki showed off his powerful shot in the third to seal the win. The first line got in on the action in the third when Pettersson fed Boeser for the final goal of the night. And perhaps most impressively, they did it during a rare quiet night for Quinn Hughes, who remains tied with Alex Edler for the most career points by a Canucks defenceman with 409.

Pettersson believes the team can keep that balanced attack up. “I don’t think we’re a one-guy, one-line mentality. I think all four lines can score goals and I think we showed it today.”

Filip Chytil notices a difference in how the Canucks approach their offence already, and how it helped him notch his pair of goals. “We pick up the pucks very fast, and it helps me in my game as well,” Chytil said. “So, it was a good game overall, and I think it’s great, even for me personally, to build on this performance.”

The roster might have a few holes, but the players in the room knew what mentality to bring, and rose to the challenge on Thursday. And the Canucks feel they can keep it up.