Canucks Player Grades: Danger signs ignored in 6-1 thumping by Stars

Breadcrumb Trail Links

The Canucks were 2-29-1 when trailing after two periods, so an inability to close the gap Monday was predictable

Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Sign Up

Published Mar 02, 2026 • Last updated 12 hours ago • 5 minute read

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Jamie Benn #14 of the Dallas Stars watches the puck enter the net against Nikita Tolopilo of the Vancouver Canucks off the stick of Lian Bichsel (not pictured) of the Stars during the second period at Rogers Arena on Monday night. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesArticle content

The Vancouver Canucks are no strangers to danger.

Advertisement 2

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events.Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account.The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword.Support local journalism.

SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.

THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an Account

Article content

The NHL last-place club has often created its own misery this season by not starting smartly, giving up their blueline too easily and failing to execute defensive responsibilities. It’s why the Canucks have surrendered the most goals and have just six victories at Rogers Arena.

Article content

There was also danger in the air for the soaring Dallas Stars on Monday.

Despite winning eight-straight games while missing four key veteran forwards to injury, the temptation to look past the Canucks and hope those who have had their way against Vancouver — namely Jason Robertson and Jamie Benn — would do enough to make short work of the hosts.

Robertson had his way by scoring to extend his points streak against the Canucks to eight games — and 13 points (6-7) in that span — in a methodical 6-1 victory that said more about the Stars’ ability to find a way to win and Vancouver’s inability to give their fans something to actually cheer about.

The outcome shouldn’t have been that surprising. The Canucks faded like the sunset in the third period and were outshot 37-14. They started strong and opened scoring, but a lucky bounce off the endboards to even the count and then surrendering two goals in a span of 1:10 in he second period turned the tide.

Canucks Report

Thanks for signing up!

Article content

Advertisement 3

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

“You’re playing a savvy team that’s clogging it up when the guys were trying to push back,” said Canucks head coach Adam Foote. “It’s staying in it and not getting deflated when things don’t go your way and a bounce doesn’t go your way on their first goal.

“It’s that feel and it’s happened three times since Christmas and it’s something we’ve got to keep out. You have to believe you can come back. Whether it’s being youthful, we’ve got to grab and stick to what we know. When it gets away a good team like that will take advantage of mistakes.

“It’s magnified now because of the situation we’re in. Part of it is the rebuild and we’re going with youth and part of it is you’re going to have games like that. When it wasn’t going our way, we tried to do more at their blue-line to create. That’s when you have to go back to basics.”

The Canucks were 2-29-1 when trailing after two periods, so an inability to close the gap Monday was predictable. And a play to give the Stars a three-goal cushion pretty much summed up the night. Big mistakes at the wrong time.

Advertisement 4

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Early in the third period, Sam Steel got by a sprawling Marcus Pettersson in the slot, fed a back pass to a wide-open Matt Duchene and he had nothing but net as Filip Hronek was late in retreat. Four minutes later, another fire drill of coverage allowed Colin Blackwell to score an easy unassisted goal.

“They started coming at us in the second and we started throwing pucks and not helping each other get out of our zone,” said Marcus Pettersson. “We allowed them to come back at us and gave them too many Grade As. We have to simplify. We try to do too much with the puck sometimes when we have pressure against us.

“We have to find a way. We just can’t fall down and die. It’s up to the vets to get the team back on track.”

The Stars have now earned points in seven of their last eight games played against the Canucks (6-1-1) dating back to Dec. 21, 2023. Dallas has also won its last three matchups at Rogers Arena, outscoring them 17-5 during that span.

“We’ve done a poor job of giving up goals in bunches this year,” said Evander Kane. “When you do that it’s tough to recover and it was the case again tonight. We have to be mentally tougher. We all understand this (losing) isn’t much fun, but you have push back and fight. Get angry and get to work.”

Advertisement 5

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Canucks winger Evander Kane scores on Jake Oettinger of the Dallas Stars during the first period at Rogers Arena. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesStars gazing at trade targets?

In a game of Xs and Os, connecting the curiosity dots was also in play Monday.

In advance of the NHL trade deadline Friday, one of the few onlookers was Dallas Stars director of player personnel Rich Peverley. He assists in decision making for the team’s makeup and is heavily involved in professional scouting.

The Stars could use defensive depth and some beef and bite up front for their playoff push to clear the Western Conference final hurdle after three-straight stumbles. They may have interest in Tyler Myers, who’s still sitting out for asset protection while he ponders trade interest from the Detroit Red Wings.

There’s also unrestricted left winger Evander Kane, who could be a good rental for a playoff push. The Canucks are willing to retain salary on his expiring US$5.125 million cap hit. Kane had a dozen points (6-6) in 21 playoff game with the Edmonton Oilers last season.

OVERTIME — Defenceman Pierre-Olivier Joseph left in the third period with an upper-body injury. Was getting X-ray. Canucks expect update in morning. May have to recall a blueliner.

Advertisement 6

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Article content

Nathan Bastian of the Dallas Stars defends against Canucks winger Nils Hoglander during the first period Monday. Photo by Derek Cain /Getty ImagesREPORT CARDS