The Vancouver Canucks have given up 50 goals this season.

That’s tied for seventh-most in the NHL. Not worst in the league, but not ideal when they’re running a pop-gun offence that’s only scored 40 times.

But here’s the real problem with those 50 goals: exactly half have come in the third period.

The Canucks have had a lot of things go against them this season with injuries. They’re one of five teams to have played 15 games this season. That’s tied for most in the league.

This inability to close down games is undermining all the hard work they may be putting in trying to compete with a depleted lineup.

If you can’t close out games, you’re going to be nowhere.

Whither Quinn Hughes

We have not seen vintage Quinn Hughes for much of this season.

How strange has his season been?

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