Pettersson - is it possible he is getting better???
Yes... this is what he does. The first half of the season was his figuring the NHL out phase, trying things, learning what he could and couldn't do... how to exploit systems/tendencies etc. Add to that the fact that he had to get used to travel, NHL fitness demands and the leagues worse schedule... it was a lot to absorb.
BUT... he did, and led all rookies in scoring.
Now he's got it dialed in. Best shape of his life, stronger than he's ever been, never had another shooting threat on his wing like Boeser to play goalies off with. He's not shying away from contact, he's using it to motivate him... + the Canucks schedule gets easier, less road games, less travel, more breaks between games. He's getting better and the schedule is getting easier.
This kid could hit 50 goals this year, I'm F'n serious.
Here's the scary thing... anyone else been watching Quinn Hughes setting up his USA teammates only to watch Madden and others consistently blow their chances (to be fair to Madden he's been great so far, just not when Hughes is passing to him on the doorstep for sure goals). Now imagine Hughes setting up Boeser and Pettersson with those same chances.
Goalies are going to be begging to be pulled... it's going to be insane.
Every Canuck fan out there should be buying the biggest, comfiest chair/couch they can find and get it equipped with a seatbelt because this next 5-10 years is going to be a helluva ride.