Boeser, DeBrusk ice cold, PP bone-dry, and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks were shut out 3-0 by Nashville Predators

The Vancouver Canucks suffered a 3-0 shutout at the hands of the Nashville Predators on Saturday night at Rogers Arena. With the win, the Predators ended their three-game skid, while the Canucks extended their losing streak to two games.

Steven Stamkos scored late in the second period to give Nashville a 1-0 lead. Gustav Nyquist and Colton Sissons added an empty-netter each to seal the 3-0 win. Kevin Lankinen got the start for Vancouver, making 16 saves in the losing effort.

So, here’s a look at the three main reasons why the Vancouver Canucks were dominated by the Nashville Predators on Saturday night.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks were shut out by Nashville Predators

#3 The Canucks couldn’t get the power play going

The Vancouver Canucks went 0-for-3 on the power play against the Preds. The lack of scoring with the man advantage was a major factor in the loss, considering how close the game was.

With the game 1-0 after two periods, the Canucks had two opportunities on the power play. The penalties to Filip Forsberg and Luke Evangelista opened the door for the Canucks to tie the game. Instead, the Preds killed off both penalties to preserve the lead.

#2 The Canucks ran into a hot Juuse Saros

Juuse Saros was on fire on Saturday night, stopping all 27 shots he faced. He was the deciding factor in the game as the Vancouver Canucks evidently outplayed Nashville. The Canucks outshot the Predators 27-19, outhitting them by a lopsided 51-21 margin and forcing 23 giveaways.

However, Saros stood tall, especially on the late, third-period penalty kills, and sealed a much-needed win for Nashville. Saros’ efforts earned him the game’s first star.

#1 The Canucks offense was ice cold

The Canucks’ lack of offense continues to be a major issue. The absences of Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson weighed heavily on a hapless group that could not get anything going on offense.

Brock Boeser and Jake DeBrusk combined for one shot on goal. Meanwhile, J.T. Miller got four, but not much beyond. As for depth scoring, the team got five shots on goal from Kiefer Sherwood but came away empty-handed after everything was said and done.

Ultimately, the team has failed to step up in the absence of two key players, indicating a greater effort is needed for Vancouver to stay in the playoff hunt this season.

The Vancouver Canucks will have a short turnaround as they take on the Montreal Canadiens at the Bell Centre on Sunday night. They will be looking to snap their recent skid against a Habs team that has caught fire of late.