The Canucks came into the Friday’s matinee game looking like road warriors, but that’s been a bit of a paper tiger.

They’d posted the second-highest PDO in the league. Only once had they outshoot an opponent. Their 7-5-1 record coming into San Jose was a little bit of a mirage.

And yet, on Friday, they were outstanding defensively at five-on-five. And they outshot San Jose. But their brutal penalty kill came home to roost again, as they gave up two goals to the Sharks’ power play.

This was a game they probably deserved better, but then again they’d probably deserved worse in a few road games before this.

Elias Pettersson has his magic back. He’s playing with confidence and now he’s getting results, too.

If you hadn’t noticed before how well he was playing, surely you’re noticing now.

See Full Page