Canucks Lose Season Opener to Flames 6-5

The Vancouver Canucks experienced a disappointing start to their NHL season, suffering a 6-5 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames, a team in a rebuilding phase. Despite leading early in the game, the Canucks collapsed in the latter half, raising concerns about their ability to maintain leads—a stark contrast to their previous season's performance where they rarely lost after leading through two periods. Coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the need for the team to find and apply pressure effectively, as they prepare for their next game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Lineup changes were noted during practice, particularly regarding the third-pair defensemen, whose lack of puck-moving skills may hinder the team's performance. Analysts caution against jumping to conclusions based on one game, suggesting a need for patience as the season progresses. Overall, the Canucks need to improve their execution and tighten their gameplay to avoid further losses.