Canucks vs Tampa, Struggles and Strengths

(photo credits - Sportsnet Oct 20, 2023)

The Vancouver Canucks start their first road trip of the year in Tampa. Looking for win number one, after the first two games saw overtime and shootout losses.

Going into the game the Canucks main problem was finding a healthy between their fast game play and defensive structure. But we didn’t see them starting out on the right foot. Starting off slow compared to the Lightning electric start, to communication issues between defensive structure and set up, specifically seen on the first (16:07 Nikita Kucherov) and third (19:23 Anthony Cirelli) Tampa goal. The team also struggled with transitions from o-zone to d-zone, and defensive positioning. Overall, the first period really showcased the Canucks biggest struggles.

Once the second period started, it seemed new life was injected into the Canucks. Seeing the team generates more chances, more communication, and have better defensive and offensive structure. But even with more chances being created, it still wasn’t enough to get past two-time Stanley Cup Champion and Vezina Trophy winner Andrei Vasilevskiy. Vasilevskiy truly created an invisible fall in front of the Tampa net. Even with the strong start, it didn’t stop Tampa from extending their lead to 2-0 (12:18 Brayden Point) by the end of the period. 

The final period was a mixed bag for the Canucks. Falling into habits of the first period, starting slow, while Tampa had the petal to the metal, seeing Anthony Cirelli score just 39 seconds into the period. The Canucks started to attempt a rally back four minutes later Connor Garland, but a four-minute-high sticking penalty from Jake Debrusk slowed down the Canucks momentum. Even with very strong showings of the Canucks penalty kill going 4/4 with good blue line coverage and restricting entry, it still wasn’t enough for them to rally back and win. Game ending 4-1 Tampa.

Leading to the Canucks third loss in a row and not so good start to first road trip.  Hopefully the team will continue working on these issues throughout practices between next game against the Florida Panthers to get their first win of the season. is it time to start worrying?