The Vancouver Canucks (18-18-4) entered tonight’s game undefeated in their last three games (2-0-1), taking on Western Conference opponents the St. Louis Blues (24-11-5) at Roger’s Arena.

Canucks Goalie Merry-Go-Round

Due to NHL Covid-19 Protocol, the Canucks were put in situation of having four goalies unavailable for the game tonight (Thatcher Demko, Jaroslav Halak, Spencer Martin and Arturs Silvos), having to utilize Abbotsford Canuck’s goalie Michael DiPietro, and sign UBC Thunderbird goaltender Rylan Toth to an amateur tryout agreement to serve as the backup goaltender.

• DiPietro entered the game with a record of 4-7-2 in 13 games played; 3.29 GAA and save percentage of .896.
• Toth’s record for UBC this season, 10-2-1 in 13 games; 1.83 GAA and save percentage of .935 for the T-birds.

Goalie Support, Stingy Defense, And Goals From Lots Of Shots Wanted

Canucks coach Bruce Boudreau hoped for his team to be stingy 5-on-5, as they had the previous three games, in allowing no goals at even strength; utilizing their power play to generate more shots, and goals with the man advantage, to help themselves out with their 5-on-5 offensive end play, creating a balanced attack.

THE GAME

Canucks had a good start to the game, generating shots in the St. Louis end, and dominating faceoffs. Halfway through the first period Vancouver had a 9-9 edge in shots and 77.8 percent advantage in faceoffs.

With 5:34 left in the opening period, the Canucks received a 5 on 3 power play when two Blues were sent off for infractions on Matthew Highmore. A great opportunity for Vancouver to score the opening goal of the game. Score on the power play they didn’t.

But they did score the game opening goal for a 1-0 lead. Tanner Pearson (7), assisted by Alex Chiasson (4) and Elias Pettersson (12) at 16:30.

Before the end of the period, the Blues would tie the game at 1-1 on a goal by Justin Faulk, his 6th at 18:33, an even strength goal; the first Vancouver had surrendered in their last four games, including this game.

• Vancouver outshot the Blues 21-10, the most shots the Canucks have registered in an opening period this season
• Brock Boeser had 6 shots, Tyler Motte 3. Four other Canucks had two shots each
• St. Louis out drew the Canucks in faceoffs 12-11, with Elias Pettersson 5 for 7
• Vancouver 0 for 3 on the power play, and 1 for 1 on the penalty kill in that period
• Canucks had 6 giveaways, 2 takeaways as well

The second period began with the Canucks shorthanded, and the Blues unsuccessful in scoring but shortly after that opportunity, Vancouver was called for too many men on the ice at 2:27. And this time, Brayden Schenn (9) gave the Blues a 2-1 lead on the power play at 3:26, on their 11th shot of the game.

Vancouver received a power play of their own with 10:07 left in the middle frame, and outshooting the Blues 7-1 but behind on the scoreboard where it counts. The result was another failed opportunity and 0 for 4 on the power play.

Late in the period, the Blues would take a two goal lead at 3-1 with an even strength goal. Jordan Kyrou (16) at 16:43, on their third shot of the period.

• St. Louis had two goals on four shots in the 2nd period
• Canucks outshot the Blues 11-4; outshooting their visitors 32-14 after two periods
• Nils Hoglander had 3 shots in the period, Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers 2 each
• Canucks continued their poor work in faceoffs winning only 5 of 18 in the period
• Vancouver led in shot attempts after two periods 55 to 21

The third period was a lot of end to end action with the Canucks having one power play. With 2:44 left on the clock, the Canucks pulled goalie Michael DiPietro to gain a 6 on 4 advantage, and down by two goals at 3-1. But the Blues held on for the win.

• Canucks outshot the Blues 39-17
• Vancouver 0 for 4 on power play; 2 for 3 on penalty kill
• Canucks 22 for 53 in faceoffs
• Brock Boeser had 6 registered shots in the first period, and none after
• Nils Hoglander and Quinn Hughes 5 shots each