Oh-for-7 including 0-for-5 in the third period. That sums up the Canucks power play and sums up the biggest factor in their 3-2 loss to the Sharks. (Technically it was 0-for-9, but the latter two San Jose penalties came with just seconds remaining in the game)
San Jose went 2-for-6 with their opportunities, with Will Smith getting his 8th goal of the season in the first period and William Eklund scoring his 6th in the second. North Vancouver’s Macklin Celebrini picked up an assist on both of those goals; the burgeoning superstar now has 22 helpers on the season.
San Jose’s third goal, an even strength tally and the game winner, came from Adam Gaudette, also in the second period.
The Canucks held the lead twice in the game. Brock Boeser opened the scoring just 4:28 into the first period. After Smith tied matters, Elias Pettersson untied it for Vancouver with a ridiculous highlight reel maneuver to put his club up 2-1 at 3:04 of the 2nd period.
“Petey” did a 360-spin while controlling the puck with his skates, carried it through the slot, and while falling down into the left wing circle, swiped the it in off goalie Yaro Askarov’s glove.
Pettersson has 21 points in 24 games played this season.
The loss altered a remarkable streak. Vancouver had won 16 of their previous 17 matches against the Sharks.
The Canucks continue their four-game road trip in Los Angeles on Saturday evening to take on the Kings. LA, in 2nd place in the Pacific Division, is seven points ahead of Vancouver with a game-in-hand.
Earlier Canucks:
— Canucks Open To Trading Veteran Players
Of interest from the Kraken:(speaking of special teams)
— Stars Almost Perfect Road Game; 3-2 Over Kraken
