VANCOUVER – For the Vancouver Canucks, given the St. Louis Blues` dominant performance, every win feels like just keeping pace in their uphill battle for a wild-card playoff berth.
Even when the Canucks achieved a franchise record with five goals in just four and a half minutes and defeated the Anaheim Ducks 6-2 on Saturday, their season is increasingly looking like it`s winding down.
However, for Max Sasson, recently called up from the minor leagues, Saturday’s game in Vancouver was crucial. It was also a standout game for rookie defenseman Elias Pettersson, another of the five Canuck players who played against the Ducks after spending most of the season in the American Hockey League.
These players are competing for something more significant than just a playoff spot; they are vying for NHL roster positions.
Rookie forward Linus Karlsson made a skillful play to set up Pettersson’s debut NHL goal, which ignited the Canucks` scoring spree at 9:40 of the first period. Top prospect Jonathan Lekkerimaki contributed a power-play assist on Brock Boeser’s goal, increasing the lead to 3-1.
Fourth-line center Aatu Raty excelled in faceoffs, winning 6 out of 8, and added three hits. Sasson scored an impressive goal, stealing the puck from Oliver Kylington at Vancouver’s blue line, outskating the Anaheim defender, and then outmaneuvering goalie Lukas Dostal with a clever deke in the third period.
While it might be too late for the Canucks` young players to push the team into the playoffs this season, they have a valuable opportunity to prove themselves and secure their future roles over the remaining six games.
“You never know when your next opportunity will come after being sent down,” said Sasson, the 24-year-old, developing player in his second professional season, after scoring in his first NHL game since January 27th. “That’s why it’s important to stay focused, work diligently, and pay attention to detail in the AHL, performing well to maximize your chances of a call-up.”
“When I received the call, I felt completely prepared. I believe every player recalled is doing an excellent job preparing and we are all ready for this opportunity.”
Sasson’s speed was evident, and the finer points of his game seemed improved after spending the last couple of months with the Abbotsford Canucks under coach Manny Malhotra and his coaching staff.
