What could possibly be next? The Vancouver Canucks have found a variety of ways to lose hockey games, but now we’re seeing the blown-lead phenomenon rear its ugly head again. One might recall it was a popular go to during the first seven days of the season in losses to the Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Saturday night the Nashville Predators came back from down three goals after one period. They chipped away, getting one in the second period, two more in the third, and winning in a shoot-out.
For the most part it was a feisty, entertaining affair with two fights and the home team Canucks cranking out 45 shots on goal. Unfortunately for the patrons, the wheels came off the wagon as the Canucks were outhit and out battled as they night wore on. They also officially coughed up the puck a dozen different times.
Canucks Crisis
Maybe after the first period and especially after the second the Canucks thought it was going to be easy. Not a feeling a team that doesn’t defend well and can’t afford to ‘let up’ should be having. It almost sounds like a confidence crisis.
“We sat back instead of went after them,” Canucks Head Coach Bruce Boudreau said postgame. “The next thing you know they have two goals. It’s been the story of what we’ve done a lot in the first five games that we were on the road, and a matter of fact, a couple of games at home now.”
JT Miller’s mood after the game was optimistic. He referred to the ‘process’ the team was going through, was looking forward to getting on the road and believes the Canucks will turn things around.
The upcoming five-game roadie begins Tuesday evening in Ottawa against the Senators followed by a Wednesday night tilt against the Montreal Canadiens.
After a couple of nights off the Canucks are in Toronto next Saturday night to see the Maple Leafs, then in to play the Boston Bruins on Sunday, then wrapping up the roadie against the Buffalo Sabres.
Belief that comes from confidence is a powerful thing. Vancouver will try again to establish it come Tuesday. Thus far it’s been utterly elusive.
