Stars 4, Canucks 2: Vancouver Pushes, But Dallas Finishes

Last night, the Vancouver Canucks skated, worked, and pushed the Stars around for stretches during the game. In fact, they looked like the team dictating the terms of the game. It wasn’t that the Canucks weren’t looking strong on the rush. However, when the dust settled, Dallas skated away with a 4–2 win. Once again, the Canucks’ faithful were left shaking their heads, wondering how a game you mostly controlled slid through your fingers.

I’ve watched these Canucks enough to expect there will be nights like this, and that’s what tests your patience with this team. They look better than the scores indicate. Why is the question.

For the Canucks, Even When They Lose, They Are Showing Up

The frustrating part for Vancouver is that this wasn’t one of those no-show losses. The Canucks showed plenty. Thirty-six shots, long stretches where they hemmed the Stars in, and a second period where the team kept the Stars bounded in their own defensive zone. If you’re the head coach, Adam Foote, you probably look at that middle frame and say, “That’s the template. That’s what we bottle.”

But hockey gives two points for the finish, not the intent. And for all the pressure the Canucks applied, Stars’ goalie Jake Oettinger kept sucking the life out of every good look. Pettersson alone could’ve scored twice; Boeser had one that would’ve shaken the roof. But Oettinger was stubborn. That was the difference.

Three Key Points for the Canucks

Key Point 1. Oettinger Stole the Night from the Canucks. When a goalie stops 34 and slams the door after the first period, there’s not much more the skaters can do. Vancouver had enough chances to win, but they simply got goalied.

Key Point 2. Elias Pettersson Keeps Driving the Vancouver Bus. Another night, another power-play goal, and more of those sharp, determined rushes. Pettersson wanted this game and played like a guy who thought he could take the game over. He’s looking so much stronger than last season.

Key Point 3. The Canucks’ Second Period Should Serve as a Blueprint. During the second period, Vancouver outshot Dallas 15–6 and controlled the pace of play. That’s a Canucks’ team at its best. They frustrated a strong Stars team. That middle frame is the one they need to build on.

A Final Canucks Thought

Losses like this sting because they tease what’s possible. The Canucks were right there, doing almost everything right. Still, the team could not finish the job. If they keep bringing this kind of structure and push, the results will swing back their way. Nights like this aren’t setbacks; they’re reminders of how close they are. But, unless there’s a turnaround in the scores, close won’t put this team into the postseason.