Canucks Head Into Olympic Break With Questions, Promise, and a Dash of Chemistry
With just two games left before the Olympic break, the Vancouver Canucks are staring down a much-needed pause in the schedule-and not a moment too soon. After an eight-game homestand that yielded just five of a possible 16 points, the Canucks remain at the bottom of the league standings with 42 points. But as they hit the road for a quick two-game swing-affectionately dubbed the annual “Mom’s Trip”-there are a few bright spots that deserve a closer look, especially with six players set to represent their countries in Italy.
Let’s dive into the key storylines as Vancouver wraps up this stretch and heads into the break.
Lekkerimaki and Ohgren Reignite Swedish Spark
If you caught the Canucks’ recent matchup against the Maple Leafs, you saw a glimpse of what the future might hold. Jonathan Lekkerimaki and Liam Ohgren, a pair of Swedish standouts who’ve played together since their junior days, were reunited on a line with Teddy Blueger-and the chemistry was immediate.
Their connection dates back to their time in Sweden, where they skated alongside Noah Ostlund and piled up points in their draft year. Lekkerimaki had 20 goals and 35 points in just 26 games, while Ohgren lit it up with 33 goals and 58 points in 30. That familiarity translated to the NHL stage on Saturday when Ohgren fed Lekkerimaki in the slot, and he ripped a shot top shelf past Joseph Woll for his second goal of the season.
It was the kind of play that doesn’t just happen by accident-it’s rooted in years of chemistry and instinct. If they can continue to build that connection at the NHL level, the Canucks may have the foundation for a dynamic top line.
The next step? Finding a center who complements them the way Ostlund once did.
That’s a puzzle for another day, but the vision is starting to take shape.
Willander Emerging as a Pillar on the Blue Line
When Tom Willander got the call-up from Abbotsford back in late October, expectations were measured. Young defensemen often take time to adjust to the NHL pace. But Willander’s development has been anything but slow.
He’s grown more confident with each game, showing off the two-way skill set that made him a first-round pick in 2023. While he’s had the occasional defensive miscue-as all young blueliners do-his offensive instincts and poise under pressure have stood out.
In his last five games, Willander has chipped in two goals and four points, and he’s sitting at a plus-6 over that stretch. He hasn’t recorded a minus since a rough outing against Edmonton on Jan. 17, and he matched his career-best plus-3 in a 4-3 win over Washington on Jan. 21.
Against Toronto, he jumped into the play, took a crisp feed from Evander Kane, and buried his fourth of the season with a smooth wrist shot-another sign of his growing confidence. With 16 points in 43 games, he currently ranks sixth among rookie defensemen.
For context, the last Canucks blueliner to make this kind of early impact was Alex Edler, who tallied 20 points in 75 games during his first full season. Willander is on pace to surpass that-and then some.
Tolopilo Stepping Up in Demko’s Absence
With Thatcher Demko sidelined for the season following hip surgery, the Canucks needed someone to stabilize the crease. Enter Nikita Tolopilo.
The Belarusian netminder has made the most of his opportunity, turning heads with a .960 save percentage over his last three appearances. He’s allowed just four goals on 100 shots during that stretch, and if not for a brief stint in concussion protocol during the Anaheim game, he might have secured his first NHL shutout.
His last two starts have been particularly impressive. First, he flirted with a 32-save shutout, then came up huge in the third period against the Maple Leafs, stopping 17 of 18 shots and forcing the game into extra time. Auston Matthews eventually beat him in the shootout, but without Tolopilo’s performance, the Canucks wouldn’t have even had a shot at two points.
He’s not just filling in-he’s making a statement. And for now, he’s giving fans a reason to believe the crease is in good hands.
Boeser Joins the Trip, But Return Still on Hold
Brock Boeser has been out since taking a late hit from Pittsburgh’s Brian Rust on Jan. 25, and he’s been in concussion protocol ever since. While he’s missed the last three games, there’s a bit of good news: he’s been cleared to travel with the team on the Mom’s Trip.
That said, head coach Nolan Foote doesn’t expect Boeser to suit up before the break. Still, the fact that he’s well enough to fly is an encouraging sign. The Canucks will be cautious with his return, and rightfully so, but his presence on the trip is a positive step forward.
Injury Updates: Demko, Rossi, Buium, Hoglander
The Canucks’ injury list remains a factor heading into the break. Here’s where things stand:
- Thatcher Demko: Out for the season following hip surgery. Recovery timeline is 4-6 months, with an eye on a full return for training camp next season.
- Marco Rossi: Still recovering from a lower-body injury.
He’s missed 14 games and won’t be back until after the Olympic break.
- Zeev Buium: Took a puck to the face against Pittsburgh and reportedly suffered a facial fracture. He’s also out until after the break and may need surgery.
- Nils Hoglander: Day-to-day with a lower-body injury. He’s missed two games so far.
Upcoming Schedule (Feb. 2-9)
| Date | Opponent | Time (PT) | Location | Notes |
|---|
| Mon, Feb. 2| @ Utah Mammoth | 6:30 PM | Delta Center | Still looking for their first win against Utah HC |
| Wed, Feb. 4| @ Vegas Golden Knights | 7:00 PM | T-Mobile Arena | Final game before the Olympic break vs. division rival |
| Fri, Feb. 6| No Game | - | - | Olympic break begins |
Final Thoughts
It’s been a tough stretch for the Canucks, no doubt. But amid the losses, there’s a clear sense of growth-especially among the young core.
Lekkerimaki and Ohgren are starting to click. Willander is blossoming into a legitimate top-four defenseman.
Tolopilo is answering the call in net. And while injuries have taken their toll, the Olympic break offers a chance to reset, heal, and regroup.
The standings may not look pretty, but the foundation being laid right now could pay off in a big way down the road.