NUCKS NEEDED JT & BETTER PK & BETTER PP & BETTER 5-vs-5

Unlike many recent games, the Nucks started this one very well and finished it not so well.

It's an afternoon game in the ROG. Favours the eastern visitors. It's a NHL game in the ROG. Favours the visitors.

The Canucks haven't figured out how to put together a win streak in the ROG. It's a tough building to play in. For Canucks.

Got off to a better start. Except for all the blood on ice. Huggie's blood. Quinn got carelessly and have to say viciously, high-sticked by Hagel in the 1st minute. Instant 4 minute Nucks PP. Which would have been great if Huggie wasn't in the room getting stiches, shots and a full face visor.

The Nucks PP without Quinn is like the Nucks PP without any goals.

Anyhow, Nucks preserve the tie until Quinn is patched up and can perform his crafty Quinningness. Late 1st and Quinn isn't just skating the line, he's mesmerizing it. Casually flips a no look backhand past everyone and their Vassy goalie.

1-0 Nucks.

Not just ok, but determined to beat the Bolts all on his own. And he'd need to. Because one dominate period in the ROG is near the Nucks max quota. Especially if its the 1st period of the game.

Been better if they just sent everyone home early. But they didn't.

Instead, the Nucks have to start another period. A period where it woulda been really nice to have JT back, playing tough and scoring goals.

Instead we watch as Pete 'n Brock miffler-feddle the afternoon away. Or the lead. Or whatever.

Defensive breakdowns. The Nucks know how to breakdown at the worst possible moment. Especially in this really hard-to-win-in building. All tied up. And about to get worse.

About 2 mins later, Bolts are on the powerplay. A minute later it's over. And not in a good over way.

T-Bay leads 2-1 and will never give up the lead. Sorry for the spoiler. We were sorry to watch.

The Nucking comeback kids start the 3rd with only one purpose. Get another goal.

And they do! Wooo!

All tied up and now the Nucks can focus on preserving the tie. And do,

Until they get put back on the PK because Soup was too eager to spill onto the ice.

The Nucks PK almost kills off the too many Soups... But again, we learn that almost in hockey almost counts for nothing.

Even worse... Guentz scores using his hand. Refs say no goal. Further review reveals it bounced off Juuls and in. Dammit!

Nucks press to get another chance to preserve the tie. But don't.

And Bolts get the EN to make it more unhopeful of picking up a loser point.

T-Bay win in the ROG 4-2 on an afternoon better spent waiting in line across the street.

OBSERVATIONS

The full 60 minute game. Interesting concept. Something to strive for. In 2025, perhaps.

Nucks lost the special teams battle. The Nucks 24% effective dropped to PP 0% on their 3 attempts. But Bolts could on 2 of 4. If Nucks could have won more PK or more PP, this game could still be going on while people across the street don't care.

Huggie was all-world - even in an all-face shield. Pete and his linemates didn't have their best game when we really needed them to. Myers played a solid game, so that's good.

Anything else? Yes!

Hard fought home loss!

Video Replay

Shortie and Dave in the house to cover the home of expected losses.

GAME STATS

PLAYER POINTS

SHOTS

Nucks get another far too often home loss. Guess it's just being a greedy Nucking fan to expect to see a 2 game home win streak this season. Oh well...

Another chance at the lofty one game win streak is up on Tuesday. Something to almost hope for!