Canucks Look to Break Through Against Utah, Lean on Emerging Core for Momentum
The Vancouver Canucks roll into Utah tonight still searching for their first win against the Mammoth since the franchise relocated to the Beehive State. That winless streak includes a 4-1 home loss back in December-a game that underscored just how tough this matchup has been for Vancouver. Tonight, they’ll need their top-tier players and rising contributors alike to flip the script.
Pettersson and DeBrusk Carry the Torch
Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk have been driving Vancouver’s offense lately, each riding point streaks that have kept the Canucks in games while the team continues to search for consistency. Pettersson’s vision and DeBrusk’s straight-line attack have given Vancouver a much-needed spark, but against a Utah team that thrives on structure, speed, and opportunism, the margin for error is razor-thin.
Utah doesn’t give you many second chances. They force turnovers, transition quickly, and punish hesitation.
Vancouver’s game plan will need to be sharp from the first puck drop: control the pace, manage the puck in the neutral zone, and stay out of the box. Utah’s shorthanded units are dangerous, and the Canucks can’t afford to give them extra runway.
Kevin Lankinen is expected to get the start in net. While his past outings against Utah haven’t exactly inspired confidence, Vancouver’s defensive play has tightened in recent weeks. If Lankinen can find his rhythm early and the Canucks stay disciplined in front of him, this might be the night they finally crack the Mammoth code.
Drew O’Connor: From Depth Piece to Game-Changer
One of the most pleasant surprises for Vancouver this season has been the emergence of Drew O’Connor. Coming into the year, he wasn’t on many radar screens as a player who could tilt games.
Now? He’s become one of the Canucks’ most dependable forwards-and he’s doing it without power-play minutes.
Thursday’s game-winner against Anaheim was just the latest example of O’Connor’s knack for seizing the moment. He’s now up to 13 goals and 21 points through 54 games, but it’s not just the numbers that stand out. He’s blocking shots, finishing checks, and driving play from the bottom six-doing the kind of work that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet but wins coaches over quickly.
What makes O’Connor so valuable is his versatility. Whether he’s slotted into the middle six, asked to take on defensive assignments, or even bumped up the lineup, he adapts without missing a beat.
For a 27-year-old who arrived in Vancouver fighting for a roster spot, he’s become a steady presence in a lineup that’s still trying to find its identity. The Canucks are leaning on him more and more-and for good reason.
Ohgren and Lekkerimäki Reignite Old Chemistry
There was a feel-good moment in Vancouver’s recent win that went beyond the final score. Liam Ohgren and Jonathan Lekkerimäki-two young forwards with history dating back to their junior days with Djurgårdens in Sweden-were reunited on NHL ice for just the third time. And they didn’t waste the opportunity.
Lekkerimäki opened the scoring with a snap shot from the high slot, while Ohgren did the grunt work-winning battles, creating space, and setting up plays. The chemistry was immediate and unmistakable.
“We’re good friends off the ice,” Ohgren said postgame. “My style fits his style.
I work hard, and he plays with speed. Today, he used his shot.”
For a Canucks team trying to rebuild on the fly, moments like these matter. They’re not just about goals and assists-they’re about building confidence, trust, and a foundation for the future.
When young players start to click, it gives the organization a glimpse of what’s possible. And this pairing-combined with O’Connor’s emergence-offers a promising look at the next wave in Vancouver.
Tolopilo’s Rise Creates Familiar Goalie Dilemma
The Canucks have been here before. Just last summer, they moved Arturs Silovs to Pittsburgh after fearing he wouldn’t clear waivers. Now, they’re staring down a similar situation with Nikita Tolopilo-and the stakes feel just as high.
Tolopilo’s 39-save performance against the Maple Leafs on Saturday turned heads and raised eyebrows in the front office. He’s waiver-exempt for now, but that window is closing fast. And with Thatcher Demko and Kevin Lankinen both under contract, Vancouver is running out of room-and time.
It’s a tricky puzzle. Carry three goalies?
Risk losing Tolopilo on waivers? Move Lankinen, assuming he waives his no-trade clause?
Demko’s health history complicates things, and while Lankinen has had some strong moments, his recent starts haven’t inspired long-term confidence.
What’s clear is this: Tolopilo is making a strong case to stick around. Whether the Canucks can find a way to keep him without repeating the Silovs situation will be a key storyline as the trade deadline approaches.
What’s at Stake Tonight
Tonight’s game in Utah isn’t just about breaking a losing streak-it’s about proving that this Canucks team can solve problems that have plagued them all season. The Mammoth play fast, forecheck hard, and capitalize on mistakes. Vancouver will need a strong start, discipline in all three zones, and contributions from both their stars and their depth to finally turn the tide.
After tonight, the Canucks head to Vegas for a Wednesday night tilt against the Golden Knights before the Olympic break. It’s a short but crucial stretch-an opportunity to carry momentum, build chemistry, and maybe answer a few lingering roster questions.
With young players stepping up and veterans navigating uncertain roles, this second half of the season could be more than just a playoff push-it could be the start of something bigger for a team trying to rebuild without hitting reset.