The Vancouver Canucks fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday in a 3-2 loss at Rogers Arena. Despite the defeat, the game provided several talking points, both positive and negative, for the Canucks as they continue to navigate the season.

Three Positives

1. Late-Game Push: Down 3-0 heading into the third period, the Canucks demonstrated resilience and determination by nearly erasing the deficit. Jake DeBrusk and Teddy Blueger scored in the third period, bringing the game within one goal. The Canucks outshot the Penguins 14-4 in the final frame, showcasing a strong push to tie the game. According to Blueger, "The pushback was good...We had a couple of grade-A chances in the last couple minutes".
2. Penalty Kill Success: The Canucks' penalty kill unit was perfect, successfully neutralizing all of the Penguins' power-play opportunities. This performance helped keep the game within reach, preventing the Penguins from extending their lead.
3. Crosby contained: The Canucks successfully contained Sidney Crosby, preventing him from registering a point or even a shot on goal. Elias Pettersson and others focused on defending Crosby's line, ultimately keeping the Penguins captain off the scoresheet.

Three Negatives

1. Second-Period Struggles: The Canucks allowed three goals in the second period, which ultimately proved to be the difference in the game. Rookie Ben Kindel scored two goals in the second period, while Evgeni Malkin added another. This period of defensive lapses put the Canucks in a difficult hole to climb out of.
2. Goaltender Interference Call: A would-be goal by Conor Garland in the first period was disallowed due to goaltender interference. The referee ruled that Blueger had both skates in the blue paint. While the call may have been debatable, it took a goal off the board for the Canucks and shifted momentum.
3. Bryan Rust's Hit on Brock Boeser: In the final seconds of the game, with the Canucks desperately seeking the tying goal, Bryan Rust delivered a hit to Brock Boeser that sent Boeser to the ice. Some observers described the hit as an elbow to the jaw.

Overall, the Canucks showed flashes of promise in their loss to the Penguins but were ultimately undone by defensive lapses and unfavorable calls. The team's resilience in the third period and success in containing Crosby offer positives to build upon, while addressing the defensive issues and avoiding questionable hits will be crucial moving forward. The Penguins, meanwhile, continued their strong play, sweeping their road trip through Western Canada. Rookie Ben Kindel, a native of Coquitlam, B.C., enjoyed a memorable homecoming with his two-goal performance.