Canucks Display Encouraging Gritty Performance Against Sharks
After a disappointing performance against the Edmonton Oilers, the Vancouver Canucks showed signs of improvement in their play last night against the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks lost the game 4-2 but they gave an encouraging effort that was especially evident in the third period.
Defensive Improvement
The Canucks penalty-kill unit was outstanding last night. They killed all four power-play opportunities by the Sharks, including a 5-on-3 power play that lasted for over a minute. The Sharks are one of the best power-play teams in the NHL, so for the Canucks to hold them scoreless on all four of their power plays is a significant achievement. The Canucks also did a good job of limiting the Sharks' scoring chances at even strength. They held the Sharks to just 27 shots on goal, which is below their average of 31 shots per game. The Canucks also blocked 15 shots, which helped to keep the Sharks off the scoresheet.
Offensive Improvement
The Canucks offense also showed signs of life in the game against the Sharks. They generated several high-quality chances and they were able to score two goals. The first goal came from Bo Horvat, who scored his fourth goal of the season on a power play. The second goal came from Elias Pettersson, who scored his second goal of the season on a breakaway. The Canucks also had several other good scoring chances, but they were unable to capitalize on them.
Special Teams Improvement
The Canucks penalty-kill unit and the Sharks power-play unit were the two best special teams units on the ice last night. The Canucks penalty-kill unit was able to kill off all four of the Sharks power-play opportunities, while the Sharks power-play unit was able to score one goal on their four opportunities. The Canucks also had a power-play opportunity in the first period, but they were unable to score.
Overall Improvement
The Canucks showed signs of improvement in several areas in their game against the Sharks. They were better defensively, they were better offensively, and their special teams units were better. If the Canucks can continue to improve in these areas, they should be able to start winning more games.