Canucks Player Grades: Danger signs ignored in 6-1 thumping by Stars

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The Vancouver Canucks are no strangers to danger.

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The NHL last-place club has often created its own misery this season by not starting smartly, giving up their blueline too easily and failing to execute defensive responsibilities. It’s why the Canucks have surrendered the most goals and have just six victories at Rogers Arena.

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There was also danger in the air for the soaring Dallas Stars on Monday.

Despite winning eight-straight games while missing four key veteran forwards to injury, the temptation to look past the Canucks and hope those who have had their way against Vancouver — namely Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn — would do enough to make short work of the hosts.

Robertson had his way by scoring to extend his points streak against the Canucks to eight games — and 13 points (6-7) in that span — in a methodical 6-1 victory that said more about the Stars’ ability to find a way to win and Vancouver’s inability to give their fans something to actually cheer about.

The outcome shouldn’t have been that surprising. The Canucks faded like the sunset in the third period and were outshot 37-14.

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The Canucks were 2-29-1 when trailing after two periods, so an inability to close the gap Monday was predictable. And a play to give the Stars a three-goal cushion pretty much summed up the night. Big mistakes at the wrong time.

Early in the third period, Sam Steel got by a sprawling Marcus Pettersson in the slot, fed a back pass to a wide-open Matt Duchene and he had nothing but net as Filip Hronek was late in retreat. Four minutes later, another fire drill of coverage allowed Colin Blackwell to score an easy unassisted goal.

The Stars have now earned points in seven of their last eight games played against the Canucks (6-1-1) dating back to Dec. 21, 2023. dallas has also won its last three matchups at Rogers Arenaoutscoring them 17-5 during that span.

Stars gazing at trade targets?

In a game of Xs and Os, connecting the curiosity dots was also in play Monday.

In advance of the NHL trade deadline Friday, one of the few onlookers was Dallas Stars director of player personnel Rich Peverley. He assists in decision making for the team’s make-up and is heavily involved in professional scouting.

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The Stars could use defensive depth and some beef and bite up front for their playoff push to clear the Western Conference final hurdle after three-straight stumbles. They may have interest in Tyler Myers, who’s still sitting out for asset protection while he ponders trade interest from the Detroit Red Wings.

There’s also unrestricted left winger Evander Kane, who could be a good rental for a playoff push. The Canucks are willing to retain salary on his expiring US$5.125 million cap hit. Kane had a dozen points (6-6) in 21 playoff game with the Edmonton Oilers last season.

REPORT CARDS

Evander Kane (C)

Hard to net, DeBrusk rebound goes off skate, three shots.

Elias Pettersson (C)

Tried to hit, dropped by Lindell, no shots, won 56% of draws.

Jake DeBrusk (C)

Some giddy-up. Took pass at speed for scoring sequence.

Drew O’Connor (C-)

Skated hard in all zones, set screens, but also a minus-3.

Marco Rossi (C-)

Trouble finding wingers, 50% on dot, two shots, minus-3

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Brock Boeser (C-)

Didn’t get any Grade A looks. No shots, two attempts.

Liam Ohgren (C-)

Normally noticeable with great bursts of speed. Missing.

Teddy Blueger (C-)

B.O.G. bogged down (Blueger-Ohgren-Garland). One shot.

Conor Garland (C)

Motor usually runs hotter. Two rare giveaways. Two shots.

Nils Hoglander (C)

Wrister off crossbar on Karlsson feed, the hot slot shot.

David Kampf (C-)

Quiet. Decent in the dot and was 58% but no shots.

Linus Karlsson (C)

Fourth-liner and his linemates not hard enough of forecheck.

Elias (D-Petey) Pettersson (C)

Screened Tolopilo on Roberton’s PP slot shot to make it 3-1.

Filip Hronek (C-)

Mixed bag. PP point chance, four giveaways, two blocks.

Marcus Pettersson (C-)

Zone exits challenging, bad defending on Duchene goal.

Tom Willander (C)

Good wheels but must learn to defender with more than stick

Zeev Buium (C)

Tough break. Shot block off end boards and off Tolopiolo.

Pierre-Olivier Joseph (C)

Didn’t notice him, wasn’t making mistakes, left in third.

Nikita Tolopilo (C)

Kept his team in it before the defending roof caved in.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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