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Pettersson’s Selke-Like Play Limited the Maple Leafs Chances

Elias Pettersson is now two games back from an injury. How did he help his Vancouver Canucks beat the Toronto Maple Leafs last night?

by
Old Prof
January 12, 2025

The Vancouver Canucks pulled off an unexpected 3-0 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs. After enormous difficulties even getting to Toronto, the Canucks showed up. But, in short, the Maple Leafs did not. One of the key players in Vancouver’s game was Elias Pettersson. He delivered the kind of defensive performance that his teammates noticed.

So impressed were his teammates that they were yelling “Selke, Selke” from the bench as he kept the Maple Leafs from mounting any sustained pressure on Canucks’ goalie Kevin Lankinen. That’s nothing but good news for the Canucks. After an injury that kept Pettersson out, and trade rumors continue to surround the Swedish forward, he showed up with this game. That can only be helpful to the Canucks cause.

Elias Pettersson Canucks injury — Elias Pettersson of the Canucks came back from an injury.

It was a solid game for a player known more for his offense than his defensive skills. Could Pettersson be a Canucks Selke Trophy winner? Who knows? Nevertheless, on this night, his relentless effort on both ends of the ice contributed significantly to the Canucks’ statement win.

Here are three key reasons why Pettersson’s game stood out defensively.

Reason One: Pettersson Displayed Defensive Hustle and Shot Blocking

Pettersson’s commitment to defense was evident during a crucial third-period shift. He sprawled to block a scoring chance from Matthew Knies, immediately recovered to block a point shot from Philippe Myers, and then battled behind the net to win a puck battle against Mitch Marner. These big-effort plays exemplified the kind of defensive responsibility required for Selke consideration.

Reason Two: Pettersson Showed Defensive Awareness and Anticipation

Pettersson’s defensive instincts were fully displayed when he read and intercepted a dangerous backdoor pass intended for Knies. This play prevented a likely goal, showing his ability to anticipate and disrupt offensive plays. His proactive defensive reads significantly contributed to maintaining the Canucks’ shutout.

Reason Three: Pettersson Led by Example and Defensive Leadership

Throughout the game, the Canucks Pettersson remained fully engaged, intense, and competitive. His defensive commitment inspired his teammates, prompting teammate Kiefer Sherwood to label his effort a “Selke kind of game.” This leadership by example was exactly what the Canucks needed, especially coming off a difficult loss and challenging travel conditions.

The Bottom Line for Pettersson and the Canucks

Pettersson’s defensive dominance against the Maple Leafs highlighted his potential as a Selke Trophy contender. His shot-blocking, defensive skills, and on-the-ice leadership canceled out Toronto’s top scorers and led his team to a crucial victory. If Pettersson continues to blend elite offensive skills with this level of defensive commitment, he could firmly place himself in the conversation for the NHL’s best defensive forward.