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3 major takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' 3-1 win in preseason game vs Seattle Kraken
The Vancouver Canucks took their first preseason game 3-1 over the Seattle Kraken at Rogers Arena on Tuesday night. Filip Hronek got the game-winner late in the second period with a power play goal. Nils Hoglander got the Canucks on the board. Pius Suter notched an empty-netter to seal the win for Vancouver.
Meanwhile, Ben Meyers scored for the Kraken early in the third to make the game close. However, Vancouver held the fort, eventually scoring in the Kraken empty net to seal the win.
With a solid first outing in the books, it’s worth looking at the three major takeaways from the Vancouver Canucks preseason on Tuesday night.
3 major takeaways from the Vancouver Canucks preseason win over the Seattle Kraken
#3. Arturs Silovs was on
There has been plenty of speculation surrounding the Canucks’ goaltending situation following Thatcher Demko’s setbacks this offseason. With Arturs Silovs most likely getting the call as the starter, questions have emerged regarding Silvos’ readiness for the job.
His performance on Tuesday night went a long way toward silencing critics. Silovs was named the game’s first star, stopping 18 of 19 shots on the night. He played the entire matchup and did not look out of place. Silovs made several key saves, especially on two Kraken power play opportunities.
Thus far, Silovs looks like he’s cemented himself as the undisputed starting goaltender in Demko’s absence.
#2. The prospects looked great
With most of the Vancouver Canucks’ regulars not dressed for the game, plenty of Vancouver’s prospects got a look. In particular, Jonathan Lekkerimaki, Aatu Raty and Elias Pettersson were the players to watch.
But it was Lekkerimaki who looked the best. He notched two assists on the night, including one on Hronek’s power play goal. He was also on the ice during the dying moments of the game, assisting on Suter’s empty-netter.
Meanwhile, Raty assisted on Hoglander’s opener late in the first period. Raty played a solid game, potentially forcing his name into a roster spot this season. Both Raty and Lekkerimaki could be in the mix for jobs depending on how practice camp unfolds over the next two weeks.
#1. The power play clicked
The Canucks went 2 for 6 with the man advantage against the Kraken. Overall, Vancouver moved the puck well across the ice, leading to several high-danger chances.
The Hoglander goal resulted from good puck movement, eventually landing on the doorstep where Hoglander potted the puck in the back of the net.
As for the Hronek goal, it came from a blast from the point, getting through traffic and into the net. The goal was possible thanks to fast passing across the Kraken zone, eventually opening a lane for Hronek to shoot.
The results are encouraging, especially considering that the Canucks did not have their top power play unit on Tuesday night. So, there’s an expectation that the Vancouver Canucks could have a top-10 power play unit this season.
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