There was a tiny sliver of positivity from the fanbase when the Vancouver Canucks began the season 2-1-0, playing firewagon hockey with the Edmonton Oilers in their opening home-at-home series and beating the Calgary Flames 4-1.
The Vancouver Canucks entered a four-game losing streak heading into the week of October 12-18, 2026, highlighted by severe defensive, penalty killing, and goaltending struggles. Starting goaltender Kevin Lankinen posted a 1-5-0 record, a 6.88 goals-against average, and a .786 save percentage. Team defence under head coach Manny Malhotra has surrendered a league-high 35 goals, while Vancouver's penalty kill ranks last in the NHL at 52 percent after yielding 12 power-play goals.
The Hockey Writers notes that young players have provided rare bright spots despite the skid. Forward Jonathan Lekkerimaki recorded three points across his last four games, while defenceman Elias Pettersson has scored two goals, recorded 23 hits, and maintained a plus-6 rating amid Vancouver's defensive difficulties.
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