Canucks struggles continue as Rangers roll to 5-1 victory at Rogers Arena

BY HARPREET PANDHER

Broadcaster on Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi and BC Lions Football Punjabi

IG/X/TikTok: @harppandher

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks entered Friday night’s game against the New York Rangers sitting 32nd and last in the NHL standings, sporting a dismal 3-16-1 record through their first 20 games.

There was some early optimism at Rogers Arena when Elias Pettersson opened the scoring to give Vancouver a 1-0 lead, with assists from Zeev Buium and Brock Boeser.

Pettersson, who was presented with the Molson Cup as Vancouver’s top player for October, gave the home crowd something to cheer about. Boeser’s assist was also significant, as it marked his 500th career NHL point, making him just the eighth player in Canucks franchise history to reach that milestone.

Unfortunately for Vancouver, it was all downhill from there.

Gabe Perreault tied the game before the end of the second period, and the Rangers took control with a four-goal outburst in the middle frame.

Former Canuck J.T. Miller picked up an assist on Oliver Bjorkstrand’s power-play goal, adding another chapter to the much-discussed history between Miller and Pettersson.

There was speculation that Miller chirped Pettersson following the goal, although that could not be confirmed from the available video clips. The two players’ reported differences were a major storyline in Vancouver before Miller was eventually traded to New York.

Richmond, B.C., native Glen Gawdin enjoyed a memorable night for the Rangers. The 29-year-old, recently recalled from Hartford, scored his 1st ever NHL goal and tallied another during New York’s four-goal second period.

Rangers goaltender Dylan Garand finished with 27 saves, while Levi Meriläinen was between the pipes for Vancouver.

The Canucks also debuted their new remix jerseys, featuring a look somewhat reminiscent of the Detroit Lions’ alternate uniforms.

Attendance was announced at 17,156, noticeably below a sellout at Rogers Arena, reflecting the challenges facing a rebuilding Canucks team.

With the loss, Vancouver falls to 3-17-1 and remains at the bottom of the NHL standings. It’s a difficult stretch for the organization and its fans, but with the team firmly in rebuilding mode, the hope is that better days are ahead.

Next up: The Canucks host the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday at 7 p.m. in Vegas