Elias Pettersson Earns Praise From Teammates Following Defensive Clinic Against Toronto Maple Leafs
While it may be a frustrating season for Elias Pettersson from an offensive standpoint, on the defensive side of the puck, he's raising some eyebrows.
There's still half of the 2024-25 season to play, but to this point, Elias Pettersson hasn't lived up to his contract when it comes to his offensive output as he's registered just ten goals and 19 assists in 36 games.
Everyone knows what Elias Pettersson is capable of and we've seen in recent years what he can do when he's at the top of his game and while his offense hasn't been there this season, he's been quite impressive defensively.
Elias Pettersson earns praise from teammates after strong defensive game against Toronto Maple Leafs
The Vancouver Canucks came into last night's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs likely a bit tired after weather and travel delays on Friday meant they had to remain in Carolina and didn't arrive in the Ontario capital until just after Noon ET yesterday.
Despite potentially being tired, the Vancouver Canucks showed up in a big way against a Maple Leafs squad that leads the Atlantic Division with a record of 27-15-2 (56 points).
Quinn Hughes, Brock Boeser and Kiefer Sherwood tallied goals for the Canucks last night, while Kevin Lankinen stopped all 20 shots he faced for his fourth shutout of the 2024-25 season.
During last night's game, Elias Pettersson was outstanding defensively, with Quinn Hughes telling reporters after that the entire bench was chanting "Selke" to the Swedish forward.
It wasn't just last night's game where Elias Pettersson has shown what he's able to do on the defensive side of the puck, as pointed out in a social media post by Mike Kelly of NHL Network.
According to Kelly, Elias Pettersson is first in the entire National Hockey League in Blocked Passes, 14th in Blocked Shots and 17th in Puck Battle Wins.
Blocked Passes: 1st
Blocked Shots: 14th
Puck Battle Wins: 17th
Loose Puck Recoveries: 24th
Stick Checks: 33rd" Kelly said.
A performance like that is certainly going to put a smile on the face of Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet and the rest of the staff, along with his teammates.
While the Canucks are hoping that Elias Pettersson can start picking up the pace offensively, it's great to see them rally around him after a game like that.
Pettersson and the Canucks will be back in action on Tuesday night as they wrap up their five-game road trip in Winnipeg against the Jets. Puck drop is set for 5 pm PT on Sportsnet Pacific.
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