What Went Wrong: Canucks Fizzle in Game Seven

This was quite the dream season for the Vancouver Canucks. It was the best year they've had since the 2010-11 season. There were high expectations for the Canucks. Thatcher Demko's up for the Vezina. Quinn Hughes is up for the Norris. Players like Elias Pettersson, JT Miller, and Brock Boeser are lighting the lamp in bunches. It looked like things would go well for Vancouver.

Then Demko got injured. It became goalie by committee until Casey DeSmith's injury left Arturs Silovs as the lone goalie. He did lead the way to a first round victory over the Nashville Predators. Round 2 put the Canucks against the Edmonton Oilers, and we all heard the noise from the peanut gallery. "Edmonton's winning." "Canucks have no chance." "Canucks will get blasted." After five games, the Canucks were 3-2 in that series. All they had to do was win one of the final two games, and they would be in the Final Four for the first time since that dream 2010-11 season.

Unfortunately, Game Six saw the Canucks thoroughly blasted in Edmonton. At least they had Game Seven back at home. One problem: no Brock Boeser. Injured and out for Game Seven. Despite Boeser's many contributions, the team had many more players than him. Sadly, they didn't act like it. An absolutely lethargic performance from the Canucks. Outshot 13-2 in the first period despite Vancouver being on a double minor power play. It was, at one point, a literal 5-1 shots ratio in favor of Edmonton (25-5). It took until 8:37 was remaning in the second period for the Canucks to reach 10 shots on goal. They were down 3-0 after 40 minutes, and as the third period progressed, it looked like it was over. Vancouver mustered two quick goals, but couldn't tie it up.

I said this season was like 2010-11, and it was. Because in that year, the Canucks also fizzled big time in Game Seven on their home ice.

As I said, Brock Boeser was quite the contributor in this year's playoffs. He had not one, but two hat tricks in this run, with the first one coming in that comeback in Game Four against Nashville. In all, while Boeser tied for the team lead with 12 points, seven of them were goals. JT Miller also had 12 points (3 G/9 A), Elias Lindholm had 10 points (five of each), and Quinn Hughes also had 10 points (all helpers). Elias Pettersson only finished with six points (G/5 A) in this run, quite underwhelming from one of the team's best players. As for goalie Arturs Silovs, he did have an impressive postseason. 5-5 record, 2.91 GAA, .898 SV%, and a shutout. He definitely deserved better in Game Seven, though. Silovs was the only reason why it wasn't a laugher in favor of the Oilers.

The Canucks totally disappointed and failed at the worst possible time. It was more than just being without one player. They just didn't give a damn. It was a terrible performance that occurred at the wrong time. I'll say this. Quinn Hughes should get the Norris, and yes, this comes from an Avalanche fan knowing that Cale Makar's in the running. Hughes played out of his mind this season, so I wouldn't be surprised if he captures the Norris this season. It would be quite a feather in the cap for the Canucks, even with their run coming to an early end. Will we see the Canucks back in the playoffs next year? We should. Will we see another good run from them next year? Honestly, I can see it. This team is quite fascinating, and I think Vancouver can really make some good runs if all goes well for them this offseason.

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