Pettersson is cracking jokes again during hot streak for Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson looks like his old self over the last eight days.
He’s broken out of a 15-game scoreless drought in a major way, with four goals in his last five games. Last night, he had two points for the second straight game, including a picture-perfect wrist shot goal in the third period.
When asked how he feels about the state of his game after all these recent goals, Pettersson wasn’t shy about showing off his humour.
“Can you believe it?” he jokingly responded.
It was a light-hearted moment between Pettersson and the media, something there has not been a ton of this season. As his struggles worsened throughout the year, the star centre became shorter with the media, speaking openly about how frustrating it is to deal with them.Ā
However, Pettersson recently opened up about his difficult season and retracted some of his comments about the media. That interview coincided with his return to form, and now he’s cracking jokes again. It’s a great sign of progress.
“It feels great, obviously it feels good,” continued Pettersson. “I’m happy.”
The change is something his Canucks teammates and coaches have noticed, both on and off the ice.
“Even just looking at him, you can tell he’s playing a lot more free,” said Tyler Myers. “Unbelievable shot tonight on his goal; nobody knew it was in it was so good. The more Petey can just go out there and not overthink, [the better]. I’m the same way and a lot of guys are, you start overthinking, it’s hard to play mind-free. He’s looking good.”
“He’s more vocal in the room, he’s stepping up for us the last couple weeks, we just want to keep it going.”
The Canucks need Pettersson to keep up this run of strong play to help with their playoff push. Last night’s win moved them back into the second Wild Card spot, although they’ve played an extra game than the chasing Calgary Flames.
With five goals in March, this is Pettersson’s second-best month of the season thus far, and it’s only halfway done.
“He’s a great kid, he’s a really good kid. I think now having a little bit more fun, he’s playing soccer with the guys,” said head coach Rick Tocchet about Pettersson.
“I don’t think he has the world on his shoulders right now, and I think he’s just enjoying this run…enjoyment should be pressure. Who wants to play when there’s no pressure? And I think he should enjoy it, and I think he is enjoying the pressure of playing in these types of games.”
The Canucks are right back in action with a game against the Utah Hockey Club tomorrow night. It’s a crucial one for their playoff hopes as both teams are fighting for their lives.