The Vancouver Canucks were up against it when they faced off against the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. Missing two-thirds of their top line and still running without their starting goalie Thatcher Demko, they impressively kept pace with the Stanley Cup-contending Rangers and almost pulled out a victory. They were step-for-step with them all game long, coming back from three one-goal deficits, only to lose 4-3 after Chris Kreider notched his ninth midway through the third. Here are three takeaways from a game that the Canucks probably deserved at least a point from.
Conor Garland Continues Impressive Season
Conor Garland was on baby watch all day yesterday (Nov. 19). He was questionable for the game after missing morning skate, but suited up and had another strong outing, maybe his best of the season. He was his usual waterbug self dancing around the offensive zone, and scored a goal, tying the game at three in the second period. It was his fifth goal and 14th point in 18 games, further solidifying his place in the top-six forward group. Missing J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser, he will have to play this way for the foreseeable future, and judging by his season so far, I do not doubt that he can do it.
“He’s gonna probably have a baby here soon. Was up at 3 in the morning. Was up again at 7. No sleep, and he was our best player. What can you say? You love the kid.”
Garland might be the one to guide the Canucks through this tough stretch without so many key players. He has been one of the Canucks’ top performers all season long and I have a feeling we will be seeing more standout games like this on the upcoming road trip – especially considering he will be riding the high of having his first child. He rushed back to the hospital immediately after the game to be with his wife.
Kiefer Sherwood Has Another Standout Game Alongside Pettersson
Speaking of impressive games, Kiefer Sherwood had another one alongside Elias Pettersson. Like Garland, he has been one of the Canucks top forwards this season and added another goal to his total when he snapped his fifth by Igor Shesterkin to tie the game at two. He is halfway to his career-high of 10 that he logged last season with the Nashville Predators and is on pace for his first 20-goal season.
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Sherwood also led the hit parade with his third 10-hit…
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