Hughes Absence Felt, Comeback Falls Short: 3 Reasons Why Vancouver Canucks Lost 4-2 to Montreal Canadiens

The Vancouver Canucks were defeated 4-2 by the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday night, with a late-game push coming up just short. Despite strong efforts to mount a comeback in the third period, there were several key factors that led to their downfall. Here are three reasons why the Canucks couldn’t overcome Montreal’s early advantage and secure a win.

1. The Absence of Quinn Hughes

Arguably the most significant factor in Vancouver’s loss was the absence of star defenseman Quinn Hughes. Hughes has been a critical piece of the Canucks’ defensive and offensive schemes, frequently quarterbacking the power play and generating offense from the back end. Without him in the lineup, the Canucks struggled to move the puck effectively, and their transition game was significantly hindered. Vancouver’s power play, which has been reliant on Hughes’ vision and puck-moving ability, looked disjointed and unable to capitalize on key opportunities. The Canadiens were able to disrupt Vancouver’s flow and pressure their defense more effectively, making it harder for the Canucks to find any rhythm.

2. Slow Start and Defensive Lapses

Vancouver’s slow start was another crucial factor in their defeat. Montreal took control early in the game, quickly gaining a 3-0 lead in the first two periods. Defensive lapses and poor coverage in front of Canucks’ goaltender Thatcher Demko led to easy scoring chances for the Canadiens, who capitalized on Vancouver’s mistakes. The Canucks’ inability to clean up their own zone and stop Montreal’s forecheck put them in a hole they couldn’t climb out of. Despite a stronger third period, where they scored two goals and applied more pressure, the early deficit was too large to overcome.

3. Montreal’s Solid Defensive Play

The Canadiens deserve credit for their disciplined and structured defensive play throughout the game. Even with a 3-0 lead, Montreal did not sit back; instead, they continued to block shots, break up passes, and disrupt Vancouver’s offensive zone entries. Their defensemen were quick to challenge Vancouver’s forwards, forcing them to take low-quality shots or give up the puck. Montreal also got strong goaltending from Jake Allen, who made key saves to keep the Canucks from getting back into the game. Vancouver’s inability to break down Montreal’s defense, particularly in the middle frames, was a significant factor in their loss.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Vancouver Canucks’ defeat to the Montreal Canadiens boiled down to a combination of a slow start, missing a key player in Quinn Hughes, and Montreal’s tight defensive structure. While the Canucks showed resilience in the third period, their early mistakes and inability to capitalize on power-play opportunities prevented them from completing the comeback. With Hughes’ return still uncertain, Vancouver will need to improve on both sides of the puck in their upcoming games to avoid similar results.