By Andrew Phillip Chernoff | CanucksBanter
November 10, 2024
The Vancouver Canucks’ (7-3-3, t-3rd Pacific Division) started their week continuing a 3-game California road trip beginning with games against the Anaheim Ducks on November 5th and Los Angeles Kings on November 7th.
They then began a 6-game homestand on November 9th against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena.
Games of The Week
The Vancouver Canucks had a busy and successful week from November 5th to 9th, playing three games against Pacific Division rivals, winning two of them.
- November 5th at Anaheim Ducks (5-1 Win):
- The Canucks dominated the Ducks, with goals from five different players. Thatcher Demko was solid in net, making 26 saves. This was a strong road win to start the week.
- The Canucks dominated the Ducks, showcasing strong offensive pressure and solid goaltending. Their special teams were effective, and they controlled the pace of the game.
- Quinn Hughes had a standout game, recording three assists to reach the 300-assist milestone in his 376th career. This makes him the fastest player in Canucks history to reach 300 assists and the third-fastest defenseman in NHL history.
- Brock Boeser, Kiefer Sherwood, and Danton Heinen each scored a goal and an assist.
- Elias Pettersson also contributed with a goal, tipping in a slap shot from Hughes.
- Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves for the Canucks
- This victory extended their winning streak against the Ducks to eight games
- November 7th at Los Angeles Kings (4-2 Win):
- The Canucks continued their winning ways with a victory over the Kings. They fell behind early but battled back with goals from Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, Jake DeBrusk, and Conor Garland.
- This was a solid road win against a divisional rival. The Canucks showed resilience by coming back from a 2-1 deficit.
- The Canucks managed to overcome the loss of Brock Boeser and secure a win against the Kings demonstrating the team’s depth in the victory.
- November 9th vs. Edmonton Oilers (7-3 Loss):
- The Canucks’ winning streak came to an end with a disappointing home loss to the Oilers.
- Edmonton’s offense proved too much, with Connor McDavid leading the way. Despite a valiant effort to make a comeback, the Canucks couldn’t keep up and we’re not able to do so.
Overall
It was a mostly positive week for the Canucks, with two impressive road wins. The loss to Edmonton was a setback, but the team showed they can compete with some of the best in the league. And there is still along way to go in the season.
It’s worth noting with Brock Boeser leaving the game against the Kings after a hit to the head, he did not play against the Oilers. His status going forward is unknown at the time of this report.
The Canucks’ performance this week highlighted their inconsistency, which is a common theme since the start of the season and are work in progress.
While the Canucks scored a decent number of goals this week, their defense needs improvement. They had 9 goals for and 3 goals against before their loss against the Oilers.
Limiting shots and reducing defensive errors will be crucial for consistent success.
The Canucks need consistent and reliable goaltending to support their offensive efforts as well and over playing a goaltender might not be best long term. A two’goalie tandem is critical.
Canucks power play and penalty kill are not anywhere near a top 12 team in the NHL at this time and needs a boost if Vancouver is going to be competitive and successful against the top 10 teams in the league.
By focusing on consistency, tightening up defensively, providing goaltending stability and support, working at making the special teams efficient for close and tight games, the Canucks just might take their game to a higher level of game.
Coming This Week
- Vs Calgary Flames: November 12/24 @ 07:00 pm PST Rogers Arena
- Vs New York Islanders: November 14/24 @ 07:00 pm PST Rogers Arena
- Vs Chicago Blackhawks: November 16/24 @ 07:00 pm Rogers Arena
- Vs Nashville Predators: November 17/24 @ 07:00 pm PST Rogers Arena
Until next week. Take care.
