Canucks Takeaways: Newcomers DeBrusk and Sprong Shine in Pre-Season OT Win Over Flames
Abbotsford, B.C. – The Vancouver Canucks’ second game of the 2024 NHL pre-season ended with a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Calgary Flames, thanks to standout performances from the team’s newcomers. Jake DeBrusk, a highly anticipated addition to the Canucks’ roster, scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime. Daniel Sprong, another fresh face, scored a dramatic last-minute goal in regulation to tie the game and push it into overtime.
This was not just a pre-season game, but a display of chemistry between the Canucks’ newest players and established stars like Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. Here’s what we learned from the game, which was filled with standout moments, shaky defensive play, and promising signs for the season ahead.
DeBrusk’s Game-Winner Highlights Chemistry with Pettersson and Hughes
Jake DeBrusk, who signed a seven-year, $38.5-million contract with the Canucks in the offseason, made a memorable first impression. After a quiet start to the game, DeBrusk’s presence was felt late in the second period when he deflected a point shot from Vincent Desharnais to give the Canucks a 2-1 lead. But his most significant moment came in overtime, where DeBrusk completed a beautiful tic-tac-toe play set up by Pettersson and Hughes, scoring the game-winning goal just 58 seconds into the extra period.
This pre-season game offered the first look at the developing chemistry between DeBrusk, Pettersson, and Hughes—a trio that the Canucks’ management envisions as a key line during the regular season. Despite the slow start, DeBrusk’s finishing ability and his willingness to go to the dirty areas of the ice, combined with Pettersson’s playmaking and Hughes’ vision, made for an exciting glimpse of what’s to come.
Daniel Sprong’s Late Heroics Tie the Game
Daniel Sprong, another newcomer who joined Vancouver via free agency, played with high energy throughout the game. While he missed several chances early on—blasting a shot off the post in the second period and missing two good looks in the first—Sprong’s persistence paid off in dramatic fashion.
With the Canucks trailing 3-2 and less than 15 seconds left in regulation, Sprong embarked on a dazzling solo rush. He breezed past Flames defender Jarred Tinordi, circled around goalie Devin Cooley, and buried the puck with a slick forehand deke to tie the game. It was a play that not only electrified the Abbotsford crowd but also demonstrated Sprong’s ability to make things happen in critical moments.
Pre-Season Mistakes Highlighted Areas for Improvement
While the Canucks emerged victorious, there were several defensive breakdowns that allowed the Flames to stay in the game. Vancouver’s defense struggled at times, allowing Calgary to exploit gaps and get behind their defenders. This was especially evident in the third period when Calgary’s Dryden Hunt scored on his third breakaway attempt of the night, and Samuel Honzek redirected a shot from the crease to briefly give the Flames a 3-2 lead.
These defensive lapses, while concerning, are somewhat expected in pre-season games where players are still getting back into game shape and trying to find their rhythm. However, these issues will need to be addressed before the regular season begins if Vancouver hopes to improve on last year’s defensive struggles.
Prospects Show Promise: Sasson, Raty, and Bains Impress
One of the key focuses during the pre-season is evaluating the performance of younger players and prospects trying to make the team. Max Sasson, Aatu Raty, and Arshdeep Bains all had moments where they impressed in the game.
Sasson, who played his second game in two nights, was instrumental in the Canucks’ first goal. His centering pass was banked in during a scramble in front of the net, giving Vancouver an early lead. Raty and Bains also had solid games, with Raty showing great poise and vision in the offensive zone and Bains being effective on the forecheck.
While veteran players like DeBrusk and Pettersson will undoubtedly play leading roles, these prospects have shown that they can contribute at the NHL level, potentially earning spots in the lineup or key roles with the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.
Goalie Jiri Patera Shines, Despite Late Goals
Jiri Patera, playing his first full game of the pre-season, was one of the standout performers for the Canucks, despite giving up two third-period goals. Patera kept Vancouver in the game early, making several key stops, particularly when Calgary managed to get behind the Canucks’ defense for breakaway opportunities.
Although he was beaten on Hunt’s third breakaway attempt and Honzek’s net-front deflection, Patera’s overall performance was solid, and he showed flashes of the potential that the Canucks hope to see develop further.
Sammy Blais and the Battle for Depth Roles
Sammy Blais, signed to a professional tryout (PTO), was more noticeable in this game compared to the Canucks’ pre-season opener against Seattle. On one shift, Blais delivered three hard checks that sent Flames defenseman Tyson Barrie to the ice. However, despite his physical play, younger forwards like Raty, Bains, and Sasson have consistently outperformed Blais in terms of skill and offensive impact.
With several players competing for the final forward spots on the roster, Blais will need to step up his game in the remaining pre-season contests if he hopes to secure a place in the Canucks’ lineup.
Thatcher Demko’s Recovery Progresses
Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet provided an update on injured goaltender Thatcher Demko, who has been sidelined with a knee muscle injury. While Demko remains out indefinitely, Tocchet reported that the goalie has had “consecutive good days” in his recovery, a promising sign as the Canucks look to get their starting netminder back in the fold.
Demko’s health will be critical to the Canucks’ success this season, and while there is no definitive timeline for his return, the positive progress reported by the team is encouraging.
Takeaways from the Game
- Jake DeBrusk’s Debut: DeBrusk lived up to the hype in his pre-season debut, scoring two goals and showing instant chemistry with Pettersson and Hughes. His game-winning goal in overtime showcased his ability to finish in clutch moments.
- Daniel Sprong’s Speed and Skill: Sprong’s late-game heroics, capped by a highlight-reel goal, demonstrated why he was one of the Canucks’ key free-agent signings. His speed and offensive creativity will be assets this season.
- Defensive Concerns: While the Canucks’ offense looked sharp, there were defensive lapses that need addressing, particularly with players getting behind the defense for breakaways. The coaching staff will need to tighten up the back end as the pre-season progresses.
- Promising Young Players: Prospects like Sasson, Raty, and Bains continue to show they belong in the conversation for roster spots. Their development will be key as the Canucks look to build depth.
- Goaltending Competition: Jiri Patera had a solid outing, despite giving up three goals. With Demko sidelined, the battle for the backup spot and additional goaltending depth remains a focus during pre-season.
What’s Next for the Canucks?
The Canucks will be back in action on Friday when they travel to Seattle to face the Kraken, followed by a Saturday matchup against the Flames in Calgary. These games will provide further opportunities for players like Blais, Sasson, and Raty to prove their worth and for the team to address areas of improvement, particularly on defense.
Final Thoughts: Vancouver’s 4-3 OT win over Calgary was an exciting pre-season contest filled with individual performances that point toward a promising season ahead. The newcomers—DeBrusk and Sprong—stood out, and while there are still areas to improve, the Canucks showed flashes of the chemistry and potential that could make them a competitive team in 2024-2025.
Tags: Vancouver Canucks pre-season, Jake DeBrusk Canucks debut, Daniel Sprong Canucks, NHL pre-season highlights, Vancouver Canucks vs Calgary Flames, NHL overtime winner, Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, Canucks young prospects, Canucks goalie competition, Jiri Patera, Thatcher Demko injury update, Canucks 2024 season, Canucks depth chart, NHL pre-season takeaways, Canucks free agent signings
