The Vancouver Canucks suffered one of their worst losses of the season in a 5-2 defeat against the New York Islanders on Thursday night.
The team’s effort level was more embarrassing than the final score as they put up a weak fight in front of their home fans at Rogers Arena.
Rick Tocchet started his postgame media availability with a lengthy apology to the entire fanbase.
“I apologize to the fans, we’re not playing good enough at home,” the coach said. “It’s on me.”
The Canucks managed virtually no offence through the first 40 minutes, entering the second intermission with a grand total of five shots on target. Two of those shots were from outside the offensive zone.
“We weren’t clicking tonight, we didn’t have it,” explained Dakota Joshua who played his first game since his cancer diagnosis.
Former Canucks captain Bo Horvat was a key player for the Islanders, drawing multiple penalties and picking up two assists. He made a great play in the third period when he beat Quinn Hughes cleanly and set up Anders Lee for an easy goal.
The Isles keep rolling! 🌊
Anders Lee gets on the board as New York adds their fourth of the night. pic.twitter.com/CMiWfwtwFH
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 15, 2024
The Canucks home record is now 2-3-3, far from the standard they expect from themselves. The team hasn’t only lost at home, they’ve been blown out multiple times including by the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers.
There was one bright spot for the Canucks. Jonathan Lekkerimäki got the scoring started with his first NHL goal. The 20-year-old fired home a J.T. Miller pass to break the ice.
It was a beautifully-placed shot and a true goalscorer’s goal. It was also the only highlight of the night for the home team.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki fires home his first NHL goal! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/58kfEmsr7t
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 15, 2024
His parents were in attendance at Rogers Arena and got to soak in the special moment. They were shown on the big screen following the big goal.
“It means a lot,” said the young sniper about scoring the goal and having his parents there. He also said that the puck is likely headed back to his home in Stockholm.
Jonathan Lekkerimäki’s parents got to see his first NHL goal in-person.
What a moment! #Canucks pic.twitter.com/cV7VowdjmU
— Noah Strang (@noahstrang_) November 15, 2024
Tyler Myers scored the other goal for the Canucks late in the game, far after the final result had already been decided.
Nothing seemed to be able to get the Canucks going in this one. Vincent Desharnais even dropped the gloves at one point in the second period but it didn’t do anything.
Centre ice scrap between Desharnais and Martin 👀 pic.twitter.com/A9zrnKnreP
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 15, 2024
More to come…