Vancouver Canucks' Pettersson Isn't Scoring Because He Isn't Shooting
The Vancouver Canucks have a lot invested in Elias Pettersson, but his recent performance has been worrying. Reflecting on Pettersson’s rookie season, the 19-year-old Swede burst onto the scene with explosive speed and confidence, thrilling fans with his decisive shooting.
During his debut, Pettersson’s first NHL goal showcased his quick movement and aggressive play, making him a standout player. However, lately, he seems hesitant to shoot and more inclined to pass, even when chances to score are available.
Passing Instead of Shooting
In a recent game, Pettersson twice chose to pass during partial breaks instead of taking shots himself, despite the opportunities. For example, he passed to Garland, who did not manage to take a shot.
"Pettersson passed this to Garland, who didn’t register a shot." (Sportsnet)
This pattern reflects a troubling trend this season where Pettersson’s goal output has declined, largely because he is not taking enough shots.
The Importance of Taking Shots
Wayne Gretzky famously said,
“You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take.”
This quote highlights a key reason behind Pettersson’s scoring drought: without shooting, goals won’t happen.
Summary
Pettersson’s hesitation to shoot rather than pass has been a major factor in his recent lack of scoring, signaling a need for him to regain his earlier aggressive style to boost his performance and help the Canucks.