That was definitely a blue collar effort. The Canucks – with their very depleted lineup – were able to win by committee on Wednesday night 5-2 against the Islanders. Maybe the problem wasn’t Miller OR Pettersson, but Miller AND Pettersson? Joking. The boys seem to be finding that lunch pail attitude from last season, and hopefully it pushes them along in this playoff race. If you missed the game:
It definitely wasn’t their best effort last night – especially defensively – but the Canucks got timely goals from depth contributors in Raty, Blueger, and Forbort to go with a pair from Sherwood to propel them to victory. The Canucks gave up a lot of odd man rushes, especially in the first, but newly returned Thatcher Demko was the man of the match and looked like his dominant self. While Lankinen has been great all season, there’s a difference in what Demko brings. He can win you games.
“We don’t like the 2-on-1’s, I’ll tell you that. But the way Demmer is, he made a hell of a save on the one (that was) post-to-post,” Tocchet said about his goalie’s effort, referring to a save in the first period that would set the night for Demko’s performance. “Could be a different game (without the save).”
“The scary part is he's just getting started, right?” Sherwood said of Demko’s return. “Both Demmer and Lanks (Kevin Lankinen) have been insane for us. They give us a chance every night and that's all you can ask for. They keep us afloat and allow us enough time for us to pot one or two, and then we can get things going.”
It’s been a long season, but the Canucks seem to be finding some small groove right now. Every point matters.
“It was a full team effort tonight and we needed that,” Hughes said. “And I'm happy for those guys (who scored).
“Obviously, we could definitely play better. But in saying that, you know, every game's been a must-win for us and it's been an emotionally taxing — I would say year — but definitely in the last couple weeks. And for us to sneak one out when we didn't play our best is a really good sign.”
The depth contributions are much needed when you have three of your six top forwards out. It gives opportunities for others to step up, and thankfully people are filling those voids.
“You know, we’re down some key guys,” Blueger said. “Cheats, Petey, Hogs, all of those guys can produce offence for us. So for sure, you need everyone in different ways. It doesn’t mean we need goals from Raty or Forbort every night, but for sure it helps.
“It’s just finding ways. We made some nice plays offensively. It’s nice to get some goals because it’s tough relying on just one or two every night.”
Forbort’s not really known for his scoring, so seeming him jump up in the play and snipe a wrister was exciting for the boys.
When I was going through the line after scoring,” Forbort said of the post-goal receiving line at the Canucks bench, “everybody was saying sh--. But it was all funny.
“We know we kind of have a little bit of a depleted lineup as far as offence goes, so I think the D knows we've kind of got to try to be a little more aggressive and help out when we can.”
“Footy said he’s a sneaky offensive player. So good for him, yeah, he’s been great for us,” Tocchet said with a smile.
Canucks are in action Friday night against the BJs. Until then:
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»