The Canucks Simply Need 60 Solid Minutes: Can They Get Them?

The Vancouver Canucks have lost 10 straight games, and the temptation is to treat Tuesday's visit to Anaheim as a must-win. Fans understandably want to see the skid end. But there's another question worth asking: Can Vancouver finally put together a complete game?

Sunday's 4-2 loss to Minnesota offered a frustrating example of what's been missing. The Canucks opened well, outshooting the Wild 10-5 in the first period. They had the start they wanted, according to head coach Manny Malhotra, but couldn't maintain it. Vancouver managed just three shots in the second period and was outshot 29-7 over the final 40 minutes.

That's a difficult way to win, regardless of who's in the other net.

A Good Start Won't Be Enough for the Canucks.

Elias Pettersson continues to produce, leading Vancouver with 13 points, and he assisted on Brock Boeser's late goal against Minnesota. There are individual contributions to build on, but the Canucks need those moments to become part of a stronger team effort.

This is where a losing streak can become especially frustrating. Players can do some things well and still leave the rink with nothing to show for it. Eventually, the challenge is to carry those good stretches forward rather than repeatedly starting over.

Tuesday brings an opponent with its own problems. Anaheim opened the season with four wins in five games, then stumbled through a five-game losing streak before beating Philadelphia 5-4 on Saturday. The Ducks fell behind by two goals but recovered, with Leo Carlsson contributing a goal and an assist.

That comeback is a useful reminder for Vancouver. A difficult start doesn't have to determine the rest of the night. Anaheim found a way to respond. The Canucks need to find that same ability to recover when a game starts slipping away.

A Familiar Opponent Offers the Canucks a Chance.

There is at least one reason for Canucks fans to approach Tuesday with some hope. Vancouver has gone 13-2-0 against Anaheim over the past four seasons and has won seven of its last eight games at the Ducks' home rink since December 2021.

History doesn't win the next game, of course. The current Canucks have to earn it, and the Ducks will arrive with some confidence after ending their own skid.

Still, this is an opportunity for Vancouver to rediscover something important. It doesn't need to solve every problem in one night or produce a spectacular performance. It needs to compete through all three periods, stay engaged when momentum shifts and give its offence a chance to make a difference.

The Canucks Need Something to Build On.

The losing streak will end eventually. The more important question is what the Canucks learn along the way. A win in Anaheim would be welcome. A complete 60-minute effort would be a good place to start rebuilding belief, too.

As a team, the Canucks have had parts of the game where they've been very successful. A win tonight would be a breath of fresh air for a struggling team.