Cole's Notes on #Canucks vs. ANA - Finally. They snapped the streak. Morale was getting really low around the team, so I'm genuinely happy for them that they got off the schneid. And they did it in a way that I've been critical of them for not doing and that's not rolling over in the third period. So many times over this losing streak, score effects just did not matter to VAN. They enter the third period at a deficit, did not have any jump to try to spark a comeback and let the other team keep coming at them. Not tonight. They turned up the heat even though they were down three goals with 20 to go and got the win because they didn't quit. Fun comeback that will certainly boost morale in the room. - I've got to give credit to Manny for doing something I've never seen before: going with four forwards and one defenceman in the late stages of the third. It makes sense. You need your best offensive guys out there trying to make a play, and they scored twice because of it. A power play deployment without the extra attacker? Fun. The record is what it is, but you can't say that Manny isn't coaching out there. He's trying new things. - I mean, how do we not start with Jonathan Lekkerimäki? A bit of a slow start, but when the game mattered, and he needed to step up, he did. Scored two snipes into the far corner. What I didn't like is how he wasn't just immediately thrown out there on the PP in OT. Sure, I know he's young and unproven, but he's literally the reason you're in OT. He's got the hottest stick on the team, leads the team in goals, throw the kid a bone, let him try and win it. He gets out there for the 5v3, but cmonnnnn. He now leads the team with six goals and is tied for second with 12 points through 14 games. I didn't expect this type of production this early, but I'm here for the Lekkerimäki breakout. - Buium and Willander looked pretty good tonight. Willander's analytics were great again, controlled 72% Corsi and 84% of the expected goals. He continues to elevate his defence partner, no matter who it is. Tonight was Oleksiak's best analytical game, and only one above the 50% threshold at 5v5. Buium is up to three points in his last four games now, flashing some of that offensive talent, and getting rewarded in the points category. He had a great play where he made the play on one end and was the one saved the chance on the backcheck. Love to see these things from the young defencemen.

Cole’s Notes on #Canucks vs. MIN - It may have been the best start to a game for VAN this season. They were hungry, played with energy, and started like the better team. The crowd was into it and they fed off that, so if you were in attendance, good for you. Unfortunately, what’s troubled VAN through the entire losing streak is the inability to play a full 60-minutes, and that’s what plagued them again tonight. 7 SOGs in the final 40 minutes in which they trailed the entire time just ain’t gonna cut it. But hey, that’s the rebuild for ya. Can’t complain about it when you have all asked for this. - I think it’s time to just give Meriläinen a run of starts. This loss isn’t on him. He gives VAN the best chance to win every night and Lankinen does not right now. - I don’t really have a lot of individual player takeaways. None of the offensive lines really popped in my eyes. Manny shuffling his lines around to new things and sees what sticks. Think we might see some more juggling after this one. - Chytil has been reaaally struggling defensively. Analytically he’s getting caved in, he’s got a 34.7% Corsi For %, and plays like the second goal is a prime example as to why. He fumbles the back pass from Öhgren, and loses the battle for the puck with Brink, and then just go back and watch his back check. He just slowly glides and watches Brink go in all alone. He absolutely could have caught him, especially with his speed. Notttt a great defensive effort from Chytil there.