The Vancouver Canucks dropped another one Friday night, this time a 5-4 heartbreaker to the New Jersey Devils at Rogers Arena. But unlike some of their recent outings, this one had a different feel - not because of the result, but because of the response.
Let’s be clear: the losing streak has been tough to watch. At times, it’s looked like the energy was draining right out of the team. The body language, the slumped shoulders, the lack of urgency - all of it painted the picture of a group searching for answers and coming up empty.
But Friday night? There was fight.
There was pushback. There was something for Canucks fans to hang onto.
Yes, the mistakes were still there. Defensive lapses, goaltending that left plenty to be desired - those issues haven’t magically disappeared.
But what did show up was a sense of purpose. A willingness to battle back.
And that matters, especially in a season where wins might be few and far between.
This is what a rebuilding team needs to show. No one’s expecting a playoff run.
But effort? Growth?
A glimpse of what might be coming down the road? That’s the currency of a rebuild.
And for stretches on Friday - just like in Wednesday’s 4-3 win over the Capitals - the Canucks paid in full.
They’ve had far too much experience playing from behind this season, and pulling the goalie has become almost routine. But unlike some nights when the extra attacker feels like a formality, Friday’s push had real teeth.
There was urgency. There was belief.
And for fans in the building, that’s something to cheer for.
Speaking of cheers, Filip Chytil made his return to the lineup after missing 44 games, and the crowd let him know they hadn’t forgotten. A warm ovation greeted his name during the starting lineup announcements - a small moment, but one that spoke volumes about this fanbase’s awareness and appreciation.
Teddy Blueger, in just his second game back, added to the positives. He found the back of the net on a smooth two-on-one with Drew O’Connor, who continues to be one of the Canucks’ most consistent bright spots. Blueger looked sharp - skating well, creating chances, and showing the kind of two-way play that playoff teams crave.
Goaltending, though, remains a sore spot. Both netminders had moments they’d like to forget, letting in goals that simply can’t happen at this level.
As one player put it postgame, “You can’t give those guys a chance.” And he’s right - the Canucks lost their defensive shape on multiple goals, and against a team like the Devils, that’s asking for trouble.
In the end, it’s another loss in the standings. But it wasn’t the kind of lifeless defeat that’s defined too many nights this season.
There was energy. There was resilience.
And while moral victories don’t count in the standings, they do count in the process of building something better.
For the Canucks, that’s the road they’re on. And Friday night, even in defeat, felt like a step in the right direction.