It is wrong to overreact after the first game of the season. However, some fans do it anyway. It looked like the Vancouver Canucks were on their way to another big opening-night win. However, they let the Calgary Flames get back in the game. After leading 4-1 after one period, they lost 6-5. Sure, it is only the first game out of 82 but it is unacceptable to blow a lead of that margin. But again, it’s the first game. We are not going to overreact to Wednesday’s loss but of course, there are concerns. The opening night loss to the Flames had the Canucks problems exposed.
Vancouver’s Loss Exposes Some Team Problems
Arturs Silovs and the Trouble with Long Shots
With Thatcher Demko out with his popliteus problem, Arturs Silovs and newcomer Kevin Lankinen are in charge of the crease. It was Silovs who was in net against the Flames. Starting the season without their star goaltender was going to be tough. Silovs displayed heroics in last year’s playoffs, but there were some concerns heading into the season. The Latvian goaltender had trouble stopping shots from distance. It was seen in the preseason and after game one of the regular season, it is a concern. As seen on MacKenzie Weegar’s goal that tied the game, Silovs could have done better, especially since there was no screen.