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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Check the fake. #MTLvsLAKhttps://t.co/A5C9733Bsw
— NHL (@NHL) March 4, 2016
The Montreal Canadiens' season, captured in one goal.
Everything was looking good, P.K. Subban had the puck at center ice. He inexplicably lost his footing - it happens - and saw Los Angeles Kings forward Dwight King poke the puck past him, through his legs.
King had a partial breakaway, Alex Galchenyuk racing off the bench to try and cut him off. King beautifully faked a slap shot, getting Canadiens goalie Ben Scrivens to his knees, and then went five-hole to score.
It was the game-winning goal. Of course. The Kings won 3-2.
Subban had a goal and an assist and played a game-high 28:48. But nobody will be talking about that.
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Max Domi took a page out of his father Tie's playbook Thursday night.
With the Arizona Coyotes on their way to a seventh straight loss, Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Garbutt laid out Oliver Ekman-Larsson with what looked to be a clean hit near the Ducks' blue line. Down 5-1 with less than three minutes to play, the hit set off Anthony Duclair and Domi. Especially Domi.
Duclair gave Garbutt a solid two-handed slash before Domi jumped him, even throwing a few punches when the two were on the ice.
.@max_domi: "Frustration comes out in a game like that. We're struggling. When they go after our best player, that's just how hockey works."
— Dave Vest (@davest4yotes) March 4, 2016
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