It was a difficult start to the NHL season for the Vancouver Canucks this past Wednesday. The Canucks took a journey into Edmonton Oilers territory losing in a shootout 3-2. Leading up to the NHL season the Canucks were looking short handed with five players out on the DL, including Vancouver’s right wing, Brock Boeser. Nonetheless, the Canucks were able to pick up Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Conor Garland, Tucker Poolman, and get a healthy Elias Peterson back in the mix before pre-season ended.
The Oilers came out the gate putting pressure on the Canucks outshooting them handily. Edmonton was controlling the puck and making smart plays for the greater half of the first frame. Finally The Oilers broke through with three minutes left taking the lead.
Tying things up! Number 43 🚨 pic.twitter.com/T5WETVEDS1
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 14, 2021
Zach Hyman scored in the second period pushing the lead to two. In regulation play, Conor Mcdavid got on the scorecard putting up two assists for the evening. But in the third set the Canucks kicked it in gear scoring, tying up the game with only three minutes left.
Going into overtime the Canucks didn’t look like they had the momentum to push through. Mike Smith was a brick wall stopping every shot sent at him. Oiler’s Kyle Turris put it home to end the game in a shootout.
canucks renaissance painting pic.twitter.com/sHZ7YkoUcJ
— clarissa! (@quinnsedgework) October 14, 2021
The Canucks have 6 more games on the road, travelling to Philadelphia on Friday to play the Flyers. Vancouver’s start of the season, 6 game road trip will be the longest in franchise history.
Jim Benning the GM of the Canuck put out a statement shedding light on the numerous injuries that have swept over the team. Benning says they’ll continue to keep the public up to date on any breakthroughs and progress, but for now the focus is on building better rapport with the new players added to the roster.