Canucks Stumble in Utah: Defensive Lapses, Goaltending Woes, and a Glimmer of Hope in Öhgren
In a game that started fast and never really slowed down, the Vancouver Canucks found themselves chasing the Utah Mammoth from the jump-and never quite caught up. A 6-2 final score tells part of the story, but the details paint a clearer picture of a team that struggled to find its footing in all three zones, especially in net.
First Period: Early Opportunities, Missed Chances
Things actually started on a promising note. Utah was tagged for too many men just minutes in, giving Vancouver an early power play. But the man advantage fizzled without much threat-setup issues plagued the unit, and the best moment came when Jonathan Lekkerimäki hustled back to break up a shorthanded rush.
Seconds after the penalty expired, Utah flipped the script. An odd-man rush turned into the game’s opening goal, and just like that, the Canucks were playing from behind.
But credit where it’s due: the response was immediate. A Utah turnover in the Canucks’ end led to a slick sequence-Teddy Blueger to Conor Garland, who found Liam Öhgren streaking down the wing. Öhgren didn’t hesitate, snapping one past Karel Vejmelka to even things up at 1-1.
Unfortunately, the Mammoth had a counterpunch of their own. Another defensive breakdown, another odd-man rush, and another puck behind Kevin Lankinen.
Two goals allowed in the first 10 minutes-both on plays where Lankinen overcommitted and slid out of position. That’s a tough look, especially with Nikita Tolopilo showing a steadier hand in recent starts.
Later in the period, David Kampf took a tripping penalty, giving Utah their first power play. Vancouver killed it off, and one silver lining was Max Sasson getting some PK minutes. With the trade deadline looming and several pending UFAs on the roster, this could be a preview of how the Canucks plan to test their younger depth.
First Period Notes:
- Lankinen’s early struggles could open the door wider for Tolopilo down the stretch.
- Filip Chytil’s defensive awareness was questionable on Utah’s second goal-he vacated the middle after losing the faceoff, leaving the slot wide open.
- Öhgren’s goal was a bright spot.
His poise and quick release are encouraging signs of a middle-six winger in the making.
Second Period: Power Plays and Pile-Ons
The Canucks got another crack at the power play early in the second after Elias Pettersson drew a holding call. This time, they managed to get set up and tried to feed Lekkerimäki for a one-timer, but the unit still came up empty.
The best look? A wrister from Evander Kane that rang off the crossbar.
Then came the turn. Kane took a penalty, and Utah cashed in. Mikhail Sergachev fired a point shot through traffic that beat a screened Lankinen-3-1 Utah.
From there, it got ugly. Clayton Keller made a cross-ice pass in the Canucks’ zone to John Marino, who quickly centered it.
The puck deflected off Elias Junior Pettersson and into the net. Just like that, it was 4-1.
Moments later, Utah struck again. 5-1.
But before the period ended, the Canucks managed to claw one back. Conor Garland set up Blueger, who wired a shot past Vejmelka to make it 5-2. A small spark, but the hill was steep.
Second Period Notes:
- Öhgren continued to impress.
His hockey IQ and ability to find space are real assets.
- With the Olympic break looming, expect Tolopilo to get the start in Vegas.
After that, the crease could be his to lose.
- Marcus Pettersson continues to struggle with clean zone exits.
That’s an area to watch.
- The Öhgren-Blueger-Garland line was one of the few bright spots.
They generated chances and played with pace.
- Blueger now has five goals in eight games.
His trade value is quietly climbing-and a return in free agency wouldn’t be the worst idea, either.
- Garland looked more like himself tonight.
Smart passes, good movement-he was engaged.
Third Period: Injury Concerns and the Nail in the Coffin
Filip Chytil didn’t return for the third period, and the Canucks ruled him out for the rest of the game. Given his history with concussions, any injury is cause for concern. The team will be monitoring him closely.
The Mammoth weren’t done yet. Nick Schmaltz completed his hat trick midway through the third, finishing off a 2-on-1 with Keller. That made it 6-2, and that’s where it ended.
Final Thoughts:
This was a game where the Canucks never really found their rhythm. Defensive breakdowns, shaky goaltending, and a power play that couldn’t convert combined for a long night in Utah. But there were a few positives to take home-Liam Öhgren’s continued emergence, Blueger’s scoring touch, and Garland’s bounce-back performance among them.
Still, with the Olympic break around the corner and the trade deadline following soon after, Vancouver has some decisions to make-especially in net. If Tolopilo continues to play the way he has, the crease might be his for the stretch run.
Next up: Vegas on Wednesday. Expect changes, and maybe a bit of soul-searching, too.