Goaltender Arturs Silovs hadn’t played a game for the Canucks in two weeks. It was painfully obvious.
The New Jersey Devils scored on their first shot, and the rest of the night didn’t get any better. But, in all fairness to Silovs, the team in front of him was terrible and played their worst game in two years. Suffering their worst home ice shutout loss since 2006.
Ex Canuck, Jacob Markstrom, turned aside 20 shots to post the shutout. “It was embarrassing.” said veteran defenseman Tyler Myers, of the loss.
Connor Garland attempted to give the Canucks a spark in the second period, down 3-0, with a very spirited fight against Erik Haula, and held is own quite well. J.T. Miller commented post-game, “That was a hell of a fight. You’d think maybe we would play a little better after that. That sucks. The guys getting punched in the head for you.” Miller went on to say, “We make it too easy on the other team. Not enough F-U in our game.”
This game received a lot of national attention here in Canada and was dubbed the ‘Hughes Bowl.’ Jack finished with two points, including a goal, while Quinn and Luke were held off the scoresheet. Maybe it would have been better dubbed the ‘boos rein down’ bowl, as that’s what the Vancouver faithful, in attendance, did for the team.
Speaking post-game, Head coach Rick Tocchet said, “Our odd-man rush coverage was probably the worst I’ve ever seen since I’ve been here. It reminded me of when I took over the team. That’s how bad it was tonight.”
And again, where is Elias Pettersson? The guy is an absolute shadow of his former self. I mean, it’s not all on him, but come on, get your s-t together.
On the New Jersey side, Nico Hischier is having one heck of a start to the season, scoring his 10th goal in 13 games. This Devils team looks very good. Even on a night when the Canucks looked Halloween scary.
Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford and General Manager, Patrik Allvin, have demonstrated in the past that they are not the type to stand pat. Don’t be surprised to see incoming moves Canucks fans.
It’s a team day off for the Canucks today before flying to California for a three-game stint beginning Saturday in San Jose. The Devils, meanwhile, fly over the Rocky Mountains to take on the floundering Calgary Flames tomorrow night.
