In a Wednesday night game, the Colorado Avalanche won a closer game than the score showed in a 5-2 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks were in there for most of the game, but after Cale Makar’s breakaway goal, the team just couldn’t continue their positive momentum.
A review of the Canucks game shows a little bit of good and a little bit of not-so-good.
Canucks Game Review Shows Promise Despite the Setback
Despite the loss, the Canucks showed some promising moments. Quinn Hughes commented on the team’s effort, noting that they played well but struggled to capitalize on opportunities. J.T. Miller and Nils Hoglander’s goals showed the Canucks’ offensive capabilities, keeping the game in reach.
Late in the second period, a collision between Vancouver’s Mark Friedman and Valeri Nichushkin led to a concerning moment. Friedman fell headfirst to the ice, requiring attention before heading to the bench. The incident added a negative note to the game. All in all, the game was a physical one that was played between what seemed like two evenly-matched teams. It had the feel of a possible playoff round somewhere in the future.
The Game Changed Quickly for the Canucks
JT Miller was dominant but had an unfortunate turnover that led to the Canucks’ quick downfall. On the night, Miller played a dominant game for the Canucks, contributing on both ends of the ice. However, trying to do a tricky maneuver, he made a crucial mistake that led to a turnover. As a result, Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar turned the turnover into a really well-played breakaway goal.
Related: Canucks’ Power Play Works But the Defensive Issues Remain
That goal completely shifted the momentum of the game in favor of the Avalanche. Despite the setback, Miller’s overall impact on the game was significant. Funny, Miller had to be kicking himself for the error – even though he was a plus for the game in terms of his contributions to the team.
Quick Hit Three: Elias Pettersson’s Effort Was Stellar
Elias Pettersson’s impactful presence on the ice was evident. He was aggressive in his solid play. He engaged in shot-blocking; and, he had a strong offensive effort. However, the game didn’t yield points for Pettersson. Tons of hard work, but nothing to show for it for the solid Canucks’ Swede.
The talented Pettersson could not have played better. It was just an unfortunate night where a hard-working player was not rewarded for his work. He was a minus-2 on the night and deserved better. The Avalanche took liberties with Pettersson and he got bumped around a lot.
The Bottom Line for the Canucks vs Avalanche Game
The Avalanche’s victory over the Canucks showed their scoring depth and ability to capitalize on key moments. While the Canucks demonstrated their skills, the Avalanche’s third-period surge ultimately carried them to the win. The game’s physicality and strategic elements set the stage for potential future matchups, making this clash a memorable chapter in the ongoing NHL season.
The game featured a chippy atmosphere with lots of stickwork, indicating the intensity of the matchup. Observations suggest a playoff rivalry brewing between the Avalanche and the Canucks. That adds an extra layer of anticipation to potential future clashes.
Related: Is Canucks Quinn Hughes the Best D-Man in the NHL?
