Canucks: How peace of mind will propel Pettersson’s instinctive game

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Don’t think. Just play.

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It’s simple enough to say, but it’s an ongoing and complex challenge for Elias Pettersson.

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In a passionate market where everyone knows his name, his game and is quick to cheer or condemn on a nightly basis, the pressure to perform is immense. It’s what occurs when you score on your first shot in your first NHL regular-season game.

While his eight-year, US$92.8 million contract extension Saturday will bring a bigger glare of the spotlight for the Vancouver Canucks centre to take his electric, multi-dimensional game to another level, it also brings a clear mind and peace after endless speculation about his playing future.

And when body and mind are in sync, success often follows.

After all, when Pettersson acts on instinct and doesn’t overthink, he executes a high-voltage game that delivers on critical levels.

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Pin-point passing, a release that packs velocity and accuracy, defensive awareness, and even bodychecking feistiness are why he was tied 10th in NHL scoring with 75 points (29-46), including 10 power-play goals and nine game-winners, heading into league play Sunday.

“I just play on instincts and don’t think too much out there,” he once told Postmedia. “I just try to find my teammates.”

When Pettersson doesn’t skate at pace, does double-takes or double-clutches, he struggles. His head-shaking body language of disappointment led to just two goals in 13 games since the All-Star Game heading into a Sunday test in Anaheim to open a three-game road trip.

And when he has done something spectacular this season — a hat trick, trio of four-point outings, and 12 points (7-5) on a four-game eastern tour of force by the Lotto Line — the message from behind the bench if often simple.

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“Sometimes, he’s reading off people too much,” offered Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. “I said: ‘Just go. Do your thing.’”

And that’s the thing with Pettersson.

He’s an incredible talent. He’s quiet. He likes music and fashion. It’s sometimes easy to get the wrong read on a guy who’s not a quote machine. He has had injuries and struggles, but also won the Calder Trophy and admiration for the fire that burns in his belly.

Pettersson became first member of the 2017 NHL Draft class to hit the 300-point career on March 6, 2023 when he opened scoring and added the shootout winner against the Nashville Predators. And in a rare show of post-game bravado, he showed some swagger.

“A lot of players say they don’t care, but everybody has an ego, so I’m not going to stand here and lie. It is something I’m really happy about.”

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And even when Tocchet took Pettersson’s game to task in late January by saying: “I haven’t liked his game the last three or four games”, it was viewed by some as a potential problem between the coach and player.

It wasn’t.

“The coach wasn’t more of me. I’m going to try and do a better job next game,” summed up Pettersson.

And that’s all you really need to know.

Here’s a look at what awaits this week:

Canucks at Kings

When and where: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. | Crypto.com Arena

TV: SN Pacific | Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: The ‘Redeem Team’ challenge

A sobering 5-1 loss to the Kings on home ice Thursday was a reminder of how L.A. executes a playoff-ready game by clogging the neutral zone, denying offensive-zone entries and effectively boxing out down low. They also scored three unanswered goals in the third period.

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Who to watch: Centre Anze Kopitar

J.T. Miller draws the tough assignment of denying hulking Kings captain Anze Kopitar in the faceoff circle and from getting on the scoreboard. He had a goal, assist and won 64 per cent of his draws Thursday (9-for-14). Miller was 56 per cent (9-for16).

Canucks at Golden Knights

When and where: Thursday 7 p.m. | T-Mobile Arena

TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Vegas has very good defence

Tocchet has lauded the big, mobile and denying Golden Knights defence as something he hoped the Canucks could eventually emulate. They added size and veteran presence in the off-season, but Vegas remains the standard. Easily beat the Canucks 4-1 on Nov. 30. Thatcher Demko faced 44 shots.

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Who to watch: Winger Jonathan Marchessault

Mark Stone and Jack Eichel are injured and diminutive winger Marchessault must carry a bigger load on the first line. Shifty, speedy veteran has a knack for finding openings and releasing quick wrist shots. Leads club in scoring with 53 points (32-21), has nine points (5-4) last five games.

Jets at Canucks

When and where: Saturday 7 p.m. | Rogers Arena

TV: Hockey Night in Canada. Radio: Sportsnet 650

Why watch: Winning special teams war

The Canucks outshot the Jets 37-28 in a 4-2 home-ice loss Feb. 17. They also allowed the Jets’ 26th-ranked power play, which was 0-for-21 in the previous eight games, to strike twice. The Canucks went 0-for-4 but did have a dozen shots. Noah Juulsen and Tyler Myers scored.

Who to watch: Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck

Expect another crease showdown between Demko and Hellebuyck, who looks like the Vezina Trophy favourite and has the best numbers to back it up. He has a 2.25 goals-against average and .924 saves percentage. Made 36 saves in Feb. 17 win at Rogers Arena.

bkuzma@postmedia.com

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