Elias Pettersson says Vancouver Canucks must be better after recent 2-5 loss to San Jose Sharks

The Vancouver Canucks' nightmare season reached a new low on Tuesday night. A 5-2 defeat to the San Jose Sharks extended Vancouver's misery to three consecutive losses and dropped their record to a dismal 17-31-5.

The loss capped another forgettable night at Rogers Arena, where the Canucks have managed just one victory through the first six games of their eight-game homestand. Elias Pettersson, who registered two assists in the losing effort, offered a brutally honest assessment of his team's struggles.

Vancouver Canucks continue to have one of their worst seasons ever

"I think there are a lot of things that need to be better," Pettersson said. "I think our structure can be better. I think when there's time to make a play, we need to make a play, and then that leads to the next play and the next play." When asked to specify what needs improvement, Pettersson's answer was telling: "Pretty well everything."

The Canucks' problems were evident from the opening minutes. After Tom Willander gave Vancouver an early lead just 1:15 into the game, San Jose responded with three goals in a devastating 4:04 span.

Kevin Lankinen surrendered three goals on six shots before coach Adam Foote mercifully pulled him at the 5:55 mark of the first period. Nikita Tolopilo allowed two goals on 27 shots in relief as the Sharks extended their lead to 5-1 before Filip Hronek's third-period power play goal provided a consolation marker.

The goaltending disaster came hours after Vancouver announced that Thatcher Demko will miss the remainder of the season following hip surgery, leaving an already depleted roster scrambling for answers between the pipes. Pettersson acknowledged the team's repeated failures without making excuses.

"Every time we lose, it sucks," he said. "We've been on that side a lot this year. We've just got to find a way or it's going to be... it's hard to put into words," he said. “I mean, obviously we're trying. Coach is trying; we're all trying. We're not going out to just give up. But we have to be better."

The numbers paint a grim picture. Vancouver has posted a 1-12-2 record over their last 15 games, transforming from playoff contender to lottery favorite in spectacular fashion. The Canucks host the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday as they attempt to salvage their season-long eight-game homestand.


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