The Canucks Can Win: But, They Must Want To

Last night, the Vancouver Canucks held the Oilers to just 15 shots in a 3-2 win. It was a surprisingly strong game for two reasons. First, the Canucks – save for a recent 3-0 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs on the road – had been playing poorly. Second, Edmonton is Edmonton. They are led by two superstar skaters – Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl – who want to win. 

Now what? Can the Canucks replicate that win? That’s the goal. If the Canucks are going to make the playoffs, they have to maintain a consistent, high-level of play. In this post, I want to ask the key question: Will the Canucks rise to their potential or fail to reach it?

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Thatcher Demko Can Be a World-Class Goalie

It isn’t as if the Canucks don’t have the tools to get the job done. First, their goalie situation is pretty sound. Kevin Lankinen has come in and, in Thatcher Demko’s absence because of an injury, has played pretty lights-out goalie. Demko, when he is healthy, can be a world-class goalie. Demko might need some time to get back into game shape, mentally and physically, but he should be able to rediscover his world-class form. If he can, Vancouver can contend.

The truth is that last night’s game was relatively easy for Demko. He only faced 15 shots. However, because consistency is key, his team has to continue to play stellar defense in front of him. If they can, there’s no reason to believe that Demko won’t regain his pre-injury form and be able to lead the Canucks to success?

J.T. Miller Is a Good Player, and He Usually Wants to Be

Those who have watched Vancouver since J.T. Miller came to the team know that Miller is a good player. Last night, he played a strong game despite trade rumors swirling around him. He wasn’t supposed to play, and the rumors were that he would be moved to the New York Rangers. But something went awry with that plan, and he suited up. 

Miller played well. I wonder if the threat of an imminent trade might have fired a shot over his bow and contributed to his solid effort. Whatever, if he can continue to do so, his leadership and intensity could become key for the Canucks’ playoff push. And that’s the rub. Can Miller keep his focus on the team’s Stanley Cup aspirations? Or will he sink into whatever abyss that’s been troubling him earlier in the season?

Elias Pettersson Is a Talented Defensive and Offensive Forward 

It would seem this season that the Elias Pettersson fans are seeing is not the same player we’ve seen over the past few years. We know from previous seasons that Pettersson has shown he can carry the Canucks. However, he needs to put up consistent games. 

Both Miller and Pettersson can lead this team if the two can resolve or move beyond whatever ails them. Pettersson’s leadership alongside Miller could propel Vancouver’s playoff hopes. So, the question becomes whether Pettersson can maintain his focus and lead the team to success throughout the season.

Quinn Hughes Is One of the NHL’s Best Defensemen

Last night, Quinn Hughes scored two power-play goals. He continues to show that he has elite talent on defense and offense. His ability to step up in key moments is crucial for Vancouver’s success. But, unlike either Miller or Pettersson, he’s been doing that all season long.

The question for Hughes has been answered. Hughes has not been at fault in any of the on-ice play. He’s shown that the Canucks can continue to rely on Hughes’ play to help the team build momentum?

Brock Boeser’s Future with the Team Depends Upon the Postseason

From what I see and would guess, Brock Boeser’s future with the Canucks depends upon whether the team can make the playoffs. Should the Canucks falter and be out of a postseason spot at the trade deadline, fans should expect Boeser to leave.

Still, before that time and the decisions that come with it, Boeser’s play could be a factor in Vancouver’s postseason hopes. He’s a much better player than when he was a healthy scratch three seasons ago. He can score, and that helps his team win.

The Canucks Have the Talent, But Will We See It?

Last night, this team showed how it was capable of playing. Vancouver clearly has the talent to contend. However, the team needs to choose to play with consistency and commitment. There’s been so much drama with the team that it’s detracted from the goal of winning. 

This team’s future hinges on its ability to stay focused and maintain its in-game intensity. And, here’s the biggest question of all. If the Canucks can play like they did last night, why don’t they? 

Will the team choose to be a playoff contender, or will it fall short? From what I’m seeing, this team can become a team that wins, or it could become a team that doesn’t. Will it choose to utilize its collective talent to reach its collective potential? The choice is theirs alone.

Related: Oilers’ McDavid and Canucks’ Myers Likely to Be Suspended