The Vancouver Canucks dropped another one on the road Tuesday night, falling 4-1 to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a game that felt disjointed from the opening faceoff. This wasn’t a game defined by long stretches of sustained pressure or crisp execution - it was a night of broken plays, quick chances, and a few too many defensive lapses for the Canucks to overcome.
Let’s break it down.
First Period: Missed Connections and Missed Assignments
The game opened with a lot of neutral zone chaos - neither team could really establish any rhythm. Scoring chances were few and far between, and when they did happen, they came out of nowhere. For Vancouver, the best looks included:
- A Brock Boeser wrister off a 2-on-1 with Max Sasson.
- A quick Jake DeBrusk snap shot off a slick backhand saucer pass from Linus Karlsson.
- Evander Kane creating a turnover on the forecheck and testing Elvis Merzlikins.
But it was the Blue Jackets who struck first. Sasson took a tripping penalty on Charlie Coyle, and while Aatu Räty won the ensuing faceoff, Columbus got set up quickly.
Adam Fantilli rang one off the post, and just seconds later, Coyle found himself alone in front of Kevin Lankinen. One smooth deke and a backhand later, it was 1-0 Columbus.
A few positives from the opening frame:
- Despite the penalty, Max Sasson had a solid period. He made a key defensive play early, breaking up a dangerous scoring chance, and his speed was noticeable in transition.
- The line of Sasson, Drew O’Connor, and Boeser showed some promise. With Boeser’s scoring instincts and the other two bringing pace, it’s a trio that could generate offense if given time to gel.
- Linus Karlsson continues to quietly produce. Hearing he’s tied for sixth in rookie scoring this season might’ve surprised some, but his play is backing it up.
Second Period: Defensive Breakdowns and a Much-Needed Goal
The second period started much like the first ended - with the Canucks chasing.
Columbus doubled their lead after Räty lost a faceoff and Marcus Pettersson lost a puck battle along the boards - and his footing. That opened the door for Kirill Marchenko, who walked in alone and buried it. 2-0.
Pettersson’s rough night continued when he took a penalty, and the Blue Jackets made him pay. Zach Werenski danced through the defense and ripped one home on the power play.
Sometimes you just tip your cap - that was a highlight-reel goal. 3-0.
Vancouver finally got a power play opportunity of their own after Marchenko was called for hooking Conor Garland. With Zeev Buium quarterbacking the top unit - an interesting shift from recent games where Tom Willander had that role - the Canucks looked sharp. Buium and Pettersson moved the puck with purpose, and eventually, Pettersson fed Boeser cross-ice for a one-timer that snapped a 22-game goal drought.
3-1, and you could feel the weight lift off Boeser’s shoulders. The reaction - the celebration, the hug from Pettersson - said it all. That one meant a lot.
Some second-period notes:
- Marcus Pettersson is still trying to find his footing in Adam Foote’s man-on-man defensive system. It’s been a tough adjustment.
- Erik Gudbranson is still logging minutes in this league. You’ve got to respect the longevity.
- Werenski was the best player on the ice tonight. In a game where the Canucks are clearly in development mode, sometimes it’s worth just appreciating the talent on the other side.
Third Period: A Glimpse of Chemistry, But Not Enough
To open the third, the Canucks shuffled the lines, putting Liam Ohgren, Elias Pettersson, and Boeser together. And for a few shifts, it worked. They generated some clean zone entries and had a couple of promising looks.
But the momentum didn’t last.
Vancouver got another power play chance, but this one lacked the urgency and execution of the first. Columbus killed it off, and minutes later, Kent Johnson beat Lankinen with a clean wrister to make it 4-1.
A few more takeaways from the third:
- Elias Pettersson looked more like himself. Not saying he’s all the way back to peak form, but he had some pop in his game tonight - skating well, making plays, and showing flashes of the player we know he can be.
- Elvis Merzlikins had a solid game, but his antics - like staring down Ohgren after a harmless point shot - continue to be… let’s say, uniquely Merzlikins.
- There’s an intriguing comparison floating around: Liam Ohgren’s floor might be similar to what Vasily Podkolzin has become in Edmonton - a reliable middle-six winger who complements skilled centers.
That’s not a bad projection if it holds true.
- Nils Höglander was a healthy scratch again.
At this point, it feels like the message has been sent. Time to get him back in the lineup.
- Linus Karlsson had five shots on goal tonight. He’s consistently finding ways to get involved offensively.
And a tip of the cap to Rick Bowness, who improves to 2-0 behind the Columbus bench.
Final Thoughts
This was another reminder of where the Canucks are in their trajectory - a team focused on development, youth, and long-term growth. There were bright spots: Boeser breaking his drought, Pettersson showing signs of life, Karlsson continuing to impress. But there were also the growing pains, especially in the defensive zone.
It’s going to be a grind at times, but nights like this still offer value - if not in the standings, then in the small victories and glimpses of what could be down the road.