MIght have been said, but game pointed out the importance of the Canucks getting a lead. If they can, then they can run the 4 lines and play good defensively and wait for breaks - which is exactly what Nashville did and does. Also you have to get something off the PP. Chances seeming there but lack of touch around the net was a killer.
Good
Zadorov - showing what you need in the playoffs. Top end talent when he plays like this.
Suter - was getting to net and looked most likely to score. Skated well. Really one of best efforts as a Canuck. Could criticize fact he didn't put away chances but Saros was very good against him.
Soucy - thought he played strong around his net and broke up some good chances Preds were about to get. Also got some good up ice pressure.
Not Good
deSmith - jittery all game. Seemed to pull himself out of position on the first goal as he overreacted to the shot and pulled himself away from the center of the net leaving one side wide open. Then, on the second, left his post anticipating a cross crease pass which was already covered by a d-man. Then the big fat rebound. Can't put it totally on him as the team produced so little offense but he has to better than this.
Miller - forcing play too much and making too many errant passes. Not good defensively and trying to do too much by himslef.
Lindholm - was not good either defensively or defensively - I think there is an underlying injury that has hampered his skating all year. Was able to skate well in the first game but you wonder if some injury doesn't allow him to sustain it. May regret not taking the 9 mill long term deal in Calgary given his play with the Canucks. Better player than he is showing but, right now, is not helping the team
Hoglander - huge disappointment so far. His inability to stay in the play means someone like Boeser is getting way too much ice time.
Juulsen - give him some credit for hitting but play around his net was, at times, dreadful. Losing Myers is important. Maybe some of those so quick with the Myers riducule should be asking themselves some questions. Always been stupid.
Pettersson - hasn't been good for awhile. MIssing the open net like he did hurt bad in this game. Also way too many turnovers due to a lack of anticipation and getting caught flat-footed. Overall play remains mediocre at best. Loss was not all his fault and he shouldn't be scape-goated - plenty of blame to be passed around.
Series not over and Canucks controlled enough of the play to believe they can win. However, they are going to need more out of certain players. Two keys to the success in the regular season, Garland and Hronek, need to provide more and obvioulsy they need more out of top end players like Miller and Pettersson. Plus the team needs to play better as team overall and not become too fragmented and individualistic.
