Miller’s 4-point game wasted, weak PK and more: 3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost 5-4 in OT against Montreal Canadiens 

The Vancouver Canucks dropped a disappointing 5-4 game in overtime against the Montreal Canadiens on Monday night at Bell Centre. Montreal captain Nick Suzuki scored 48 seconds into overtime, giving the Canadiens the two points.

J.T. Miller scored twice for the Vancouver Canucks, with Jake DeBrusk (PPG) and Jonathan Lekkerimaki getting the other tallies for the Canucks. Meanwhile, Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Lane Hutson, Kaiden Guhle, and Kirby Dach (PPG) responded for the Canadiens.

Here’s a closer look at three reasons why Vancouver lost to Montreal in overtime.

3 reasons why Vancouver Canucks lost 5-4 to Montreal Canadiens in OT

#3. Penalty kill faltered

The Vancouver Canucks’ penalty kill faltered on Monday night, giving up two goals in four chances. In particular, the overtime goal was devastating as a third-period penalty by Nils Hoglander carried over into overtime.

There, Suzuki buried the game-winner 48 seconds in, ending the Canucks’ night on a sour note. It’s worth pointing out that Vancouver blue liner Derek Forbort did not play Suzuki’s shot well, failing to block it and screening goaltender Kevin Lankinen.

Ultimately, the Canucks’ breakdown on the penalty kill in overtime put the final nail in their coffin on Monday night.

#2. Kevin Lankinen had a rough game

With Vancouver Canucks’ starting goaltender Thatcher Demko sidelined once again, backup Kevin Lankinen has taken over the reins in goal for the second time this season. While Lankinen has been solid overall, he failed to carry the Canucks against the Habs.

Lankinen finished the night with 19 saves on 24 shots, including a bad goal in overtime. While Lankinen’s defense didn’t help much, Lankinen wasn’t as sharp as on other occasions this season.

Moving forward, the Canucks will be relying even more on Lankinen as there is no firm timeline for Demko’s return.

#1. Miller’s four-point night wasted

J.T. Miller had a whale of a game, registering four points (2G, 2A). However, the effort was wasted as his teammates could not pull out a win.

In particular, Miller’s performance is crucial as Elias Pettersson continues to be out of the lineup due to injury. Moreover, the rest of the Vancouver top six have failed to pick up the slack. While DeBrusk managed a goal, that sort of production isn’t enough to propel the Canucks into serious Stanley Cup contenders.

It’s worth underscoring how important Quinn Hughes’ return to the lineup was. Hughes got two assists in the losing effort.

Nevertheless, the entire club must rally around Hughes and Miller to secure a playoff spot this season.

The Canucks will get Tuesday off to regroup before taking on the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night.