The Vancouver Canucks struggled of their loss to Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday evening. The ultimate rating of 4-1 instructed the story nicely. Whereas Conor Garland scored a power-play aim within the third interval, it was too little to spark a comeback. With this defeat, the Canucks dropped to 0-1-2 on the season. For some motive, the staff is struggling. They haven’t but gained their first sport of the season and should discover their footing quickly.
After a promising 50-win season final yr, is that this season’s staff able to matching that document?
Listed here are three key takeaways from the sport from the Canucks’ perspective.
Takeaway 1: Conor Garland Was the Lone Offensive Spark
Regardless of the loss, Conor Garland confirmed his offensive talent by scoring the Canucks’ solely aim of the sport on the facility play. His tally at 4:14 of the third interval ensured Vancouver prevented a shutout. Garland has confirmed to be a dependable contributor, with two objectives and one help within the first three video games. Regardless of being listed on the third line, he’s successfully turn out to be a top-six winger.
If Garland continues at this tempo, he might be on monitor for his second profession 50-point season. Recreation after sport, he offers his staff a much-needed offense.
Takeaway 2. Inconsistent Goaltending Has Deepened the Canucks’ Struggles
Arturs Silovs had a combined sport, stopping 24 of 27 pictures towards the Lightning. He confronted a difficult process with restricted offensive assist. Nonetheless, his 4.50 GAA by way of two video games raises questions on his readiness because the beginning goaltender. Nonetheless, so long as Thatcher Demko stays on IR, he has to step up.
Silovs might want to enhance considerably to solidify his place within the internet. If not, he may lose his beginning position to newcomer Kevin Lankinen. Higher goaltending is important for the Canucks in the event that they need to flip their season round.
Takeaway 3. The Canucks Are Struggling to Generate Offense
The Canucks’ incapability to attain early in video games has been a recurring concern. That’s a shock since final season. They solely scored as soon as towards the Lightning, highlighting their struggles to generate constant offensive stress. With simply eight objectives of their first three video games, together with 5 within the first interval, the Canucks should work on their offensive technique to enhance their scoring output.
This lack of offensive firepower has put further stress on the staff’s goaltending. Vancouver’s general sport wants an uptick.
What’s Subsequent for the Canucks?
Trying forward, the Canucks will face the Florida Panthers on the street Thursday evening. The staff should construct on the positives from the sport towards Tampa Bay. They can not depend upon Garland’s offensive contributions alone.
The staff additionally wants to enhance within the internet. Establishing extra balanced scoring might be a essential issue of their seek for their first win of the season. Briefly, the Canucks should remedy their offensive shortcomings. They need to additionally step up their defensive play to show their season round.
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