If NHL games were 40 minutes long, the Vancouver Canucks would be one of the best teams in the league.
Vancouver blew a 2-0 lead Thursday night, and a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes, losing their third straight game, a 3-2 decision to the San Jose Sharks. The Canucks have now lost 11 games when leading after two periods, according to The Province and Canucks Army's Jeff Paterson.
And Vancouver's home struggles continue in a big way:
#Canucks 2-8-1 in last 11 here at Rogers Arena. Visitors now 20-9-3 on the season (43 of 64 possible points)
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) March 4, 2016
Vancouver's 11 home wins are better than only the Toronto Maple Leafs' nine. Not good. And, once again, the Canucks couldn't muster much offense. They scored two or fewer for the third straight game, and have two goals or fewer in seven of their past nine games. It's bleak:
#Canucks have been held to 2 or fewer goals in 40 of 63 games
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) March 4, 2016
With 60 points in 63 games, the Canucks are only four points out of the Western Conference basement.
Meanwhile, goaltender Ryan Miller, obviously frustrated with a lack of support, was furious after the game because he believed Sharks forward Tomas Hertl's goal in the second period, which got San Jose on the board, was deflected with a high stick.
"That's 100 per cent a high-stick on their first goal, I just watched the replay. Big game for us and they call that a goal" - Miller
— Vancouver Canucks (@VanCanucks) March 4, 2016
With the Minnesota Wild picking up two points Thursday in Toronto, the Canucks are now 10 points back in the wild-card race. It's possible, but becoming more unlikely by the day.
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