NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Vancouver Canucks - Source: Imagn — Elliotte Friedman analyzes Elias Pettersson's performance and media pressure (Source: Imagn)

Elliotte Friedman pins $92.8M Elias Pettersson's growing struggles on Vancouver media's criticism

Modified Oct 22, 2024 07:04 GMT

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman discussed Elias Pettersson's struggles, on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. Pettersson, on an eight-year $92.8 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks, has underperformed this season, with just two assists and no goals in five games.

Friedman believes the intense media pressure in Vancouver could be affecting Pettersson.

"I always say about markets like Vancouver: the rewards are high, but the risks are high," Friedman said.

"And I suspect, this is my opinion because I think Pettersson is well aware of everything that is said about him, I think he rides the peaks and valleys, and I think that that - that is the thing the he has to get out of his system.

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Friedman believes Pettersson may be too focused on outside criticism and needs to manage that better.

Speculation about Pettersson's form includes possible injury issues, Vancouver’s team structure and mental challenges. Sportsnet’s Justin Bourne suggested, per Yard Braker:

"Not being in the right mental place right now"

Thomas Drance and Harman Dayal from The Athletic mentioned media criticism and contract discussions as factors affecting Pettersson. They also noted that Pettersson had tendinitis last season, which impacted his summer training. His linemates and speculation about his contract and performance were also listed as potential factors.

While Elias Pettersson picked up an assist in a 3-0 win over Philadelphia, his scoring drought continues since the 2024 playoffs. Fans expect more from him, especially after his big contract.

Vancouver Canucks beat Flyers despite Elias Pettersson's marginal contribution

The Vancouver Canucks won 3-0 against the Philadelphia Flyers, with Kevin Lankinen making 26 saves in the shutout. It was Lankinen's first shutout of the season and fourth in the NHL. Nils Hoglander, Brock Boeser and Kiefer Sherwood scored for the Canucks.

Boeser’s goal came from a pass by Tyler Myers, who was playing his 1,000th NHL game. Despite the Flyers outshooting the Canucks in the last two periods, Lankinen remained solid in the net.

Canucks coach Rick Tocchet praised Lankinen (per NHL.com),

"We've got good goaltending here. ... he wasn't flopping all around. He was really steady."

Elias Pettersson hasn't scored in his last five games, but Vancouver’s strong defense and goaltending secured the win despite Pettersson's limited contribution.