How Nils Höglander scores his goals - Is it time for the Canucks to unleash him?
The Vancouver Canucks are struggling offensively, and they could really use Nils Höglander's scoring touch. Last season, Höglander quietly put up 24 goals, all scored at five-on-five.
Remarkably, 18 of those goals came from within just a few feet of the net, showcasing his ability to read plays and capitalize on tight, high-pressure situations. For a team currently sitting last in the league for shots on net, Höglander's nose for the goal could be a game-changer.
Höglander has always had all the tools, but now he's starting to have the tool shed. And the Canucks clearly see that by extending his contract last week on a 3 year, $3 million per year contract. Known for his quick hands and sharp instincts, he's learned how to make the most of his opportunities. Canucks coach Rick Tocchet is a big fan of his work ethic, praising Höglander's ability to adjust his shooting angles quickly in close quarters, calling him «very underrated» for his skill around the net. Tocchet also highlighted Höglander's commitment to improving, noting how the winger often puts in extra practice time, working on the small details that make a big difference during games.
Though Höglander's first goal of the season wasn't one of his typical in-tight shots-it was a wrist shot wired from the top corner-his bread and butter remains those gritty, close-range goals. And that's exactly what Vancouver needs right now. The Canucks have been generating chances but struggling to hit the net, sitting dead last in on-net shot rate in the league.
With the Canucks off to a rocky start, Höglander's ability to score from difficult positions could provide the offensive spark they desperately need. A few more of his gritty, in-tight goals might just help turn things around for Vancouver.
Here are all Höglander's goals of the 23-24 campaign
