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Vancouver Canucks Try Explaining Embarrassing Collapse To The Seattle Kraken

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Jon McIntyre
December 30, 2024  (1:49 PM)
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The Vancouver Canucks added another painful chapter to their history with a shocking 5-4 overtime loss to the Seattle Kraken.

For most of the game, it seemed like a sure win. The Canucks dominated play, held a commanding 4-1 lead with under five minutes remaining, and looked poised to secure two crucial points.

Then, in a stunning turn of events, it all fell apart.

The meltdown marked the first time in franchise history that the Canucks blew a three-goal lead in the final five minutes of regulation.

Seattle took full advantage of Vancouver's defensive miscues and lack of composure, storming back to tie the game before finishing the job in overtime.

«Honestly, it's pretty devastating,» said Jake DeBrusk, reflecting the mood in the locker room. «We should never be losing that game, let alone letting it get to overtime. We have to stick together as a team. Any time we have a two-goal lead late, that's got to be automatic, and that's what we're pushing for.»

Head coach Rick Tocchet didn't sugarcoat the loss either.

«This one slipped away. These ones hurt, but you've got to come back tomorrow and have a good practice,» he said. «We need to pick some guys up. I'm sure a couple of individuals don't feel good about themselves, but we've got to make sure they've got energy for tomorrow and are ready for the next game.»

Playing without injured defensemen Quinn Hughes and Filip Hronek, Vancouver's blueline struggled under pressure, especially in the closing moments.

The Kraken, who hadn't scored more than two goals in their last five games, exploded for four goals late in the third period to complete their improbable comeback.

This loss serves as a harsh reminder of the Canucks' ongoing challenges with defensive consistency and mental fortitude.

As the team regroups, they'll need to find ways to learn from this collapse and avoid similar breakdowns in the future. For now, the pain of letting this one slip away will linger.

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Vancouver Canucks Try Explaining Embarrassing Collapse To The Seattle Kraken

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