3 major takeaways from Vancouver Canucks 3-2 S/O loss to Philadelphia Flyers

By Mike Whitaker

Modified Oct 12, 2024 07:02 GMT

The Vancouver Canucks failed to secure two points in the standings for the second consecutive game, dropping Friday night's decision at Rogers Arena to the visiting Philadelphia Flyers by a 3-2 final score via the shootout.

Morgan Frost scored the decisive goal in the shootout for the Flyers, who also got goals from Tyson Foerster and Cam York.

Nils Hoglander would open the scoring for the Canucks in the first period, beating Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson with a blocker-side shot from the right faceoff circle:

Teddy Blueger would tie the game after the Flyers had taken the lead in the second period, re-directing Derek Forbort's shot at the net past Ersson:

Ersson finished with 24 saves on 26 shots, while Kevin Lankinen made 29 saves on 31 shots in his Canucks debut.

Here are three big takeaways from Friday night's matchup between Vancouver and Philadelphia.

3 biggest takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' 3-2 S/O loss to Philadelphia Flyers

#3. The health of defenseman Tyler Myers

Myers was injured when he collided with Flyers forward Joel Farabee, who subsequently laid motionless on the ice; he eventually needed assistance to get back to the bench and dressing room as he wasn't able to put any weight on his leg.

Teammate Teddy Blueger explained that the mood on the bench wasn't positive having to watch Myers' ailment unfold (via The Province):

“It obviously didn’t look good, like he stayed down, wasn’t really moving. Yeah. It’s disappointing," Blueger said. "I think it takes probably a second, a shift or two, to kind of get past that."

The injury took place early in the first period of play; Myers was credited with just 36 seconds of ice time.

Myers, who the Canucks re-signed to a three-year contract during the offseason, skated in 77 games last year, scoring five goals with 24 assists.

#2. Goaltender Kevin Lankinen was strong in his Canucks debut

Signed as a free agent after having played last season with the Nashville Predators, Lankinen held the fort for the Canucks and gave them every opportunity to earn the extra point.

The Canucks' goaltending situation remains sticky, as the job falls on the tandem of Lankinen and Arturs Silovs while starter Thatcher Demko remains sidelined with an injury.

#1. Elias Pettersson continues to struggle offensively

One of Vancouver's highest-paid players and one they count upon to provide offense, Pettersson has only two shots on goal through the first two games of the campaign and has only tallied one goal at even-strength in his last 20 games dating back to last season.

Pettersson and the Canucks will look to get back on track when they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday.