3 major takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' 3-1 loss in preseason game vs Seattle Kraken

Modified Sep 28, 2024 05:01 GMT

The Vancouver Canucks dropped a disappointing game against the Seattle Kraken by a score of 3-1 at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on Friday.

Tyler Myers scored in the second period for the Vancouver Canucks to make the game 3-1. Meanwhile, Eeli Tolvanen, Brandon Montour, and Ryan Winterton scored for the Kraken.

The loss marked the first of the preseason for the Vancouver Canucks after winning two straight games. So, it’s worth taking a closer look at the three major takeaways from Friday night’s Vancouver Canucks’ preseason loss.

3 major takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' preseason loss vs Seattle Kraken

#3. The Kraken outplayed the Canucks

Overall, the Kraken played a much better all-around game than the Canucks. The Canucks were outshot 23-20, while the Kraken won over 66% of the draws.

In addition, Vancouver committed 18 giveaways to the Kraken’s 15, while the Kraken also registered seven takeaways to the Canucks’ three.

But where it really mattered was on the scoreboard. The Kraken took advantage of the scoring chances they had whereas the Canucks could not find the back of the net despite Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Jake DeBrusk in the lineup.

#2. Kevin Lankinen looked shaky

Kevin Lankinen was signed before the start of training camp to provide goaltending depth amid the loss of starter Thatcher Demko to injury.

However, Lankinen was unable to keep the Canucks in the game. A good example of this situation was Brandon Montour’s goal. Montour lobbed a knuckleball from the blue line that Lankinen was unable to catch. That shot should have been a relatively easy save for an NHL-caliber goaltender.

With Arturs Silovs looking like the starter, the Canucks will need to get more from Lankinen. Otherwise, the Canucks may have to lean on other younger goalies to support Silovs. As such, Lankinen needs to step up in support of Silovs when the regular season gets underway.

#1. Fatigue played a role in the Canucks' flat performance

For the Canucks, it was the team’s third game in four nights. While not all the players on the ice played all three games, the overall wear and tear of training camp, travel, and games took its toll on the club.

The Canucks seemed flat for most parts. So, it’s safe to assume that fatigue played a major role in the game’s overall outcome.

In the meantime, the Canucks will get the weekend off from games, hitting the ice again on Monday night against heated rivals, the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place.