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The Vancouver Canucks lost 3-2 to the Edmonton Oilers in one of their last pre-season games last night. If you were only to look at the stat line you would see what appears to be a very close game.
The shots were heavy and often last night, 42-39 in favour of the Oilers as they went on to control most of the game. The first period was busy with Edmonton hemming the Canucks in their zone and peppering their goalie with 18 shots. What evidently did them in was their penalty kill, which is questionable at best giving up two goals. The Canucks so far hold a 2-4 record through 6 games played in the pre-season.
An "I don't think so" from Halák to McDavid ❌ pic.twitter.com/tw2RrPGNou
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) October 8, 2021
But as many of us, Canucks fans know the team has been dealing with contract issues with their two biggest stars Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. Last week the team was able to sign both multi-year contracts allowing them to get their first taste of game action last night.
As the Oilers dominated the Canucks in the first period with their even strength and more importantly their power-play, Vancouver decided to give them a taste of their own medicine in the second. Hughes came out firing with all cylinders as the Canucks pounced on their powerplay opportunity. Quinn blasted a shot from the point to giving Vancouver fans hope while showing no rust whatsoever.
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1446300138989768711?s=20
Then it was Petterson’s turn to get on the score sheet as the team was able to capitalize once again on the power-play with a goal scored by Nic Petan, assisted by Pettersson and Hughes. Even though Derek Ryan would eventually score what would go on to be the winning goal near the end of the second period this game proved a lot to Canucks fans.
The team showed grit, determination, and the ability to win last night even in defeat. Young players like Vasily Podkolzin and newcomers, Conor Garland, have shown that the future looks bright or at least upfront. Make sure to catch the Canucks and Oilers back in action for Vancouver final pre-season game Saturday October 8th, 2021.