Vegas Golden Knights: Three Keys to beating Canucks in Game 3

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Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks takes the second period shot against the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round.(Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /

2. Put the shackles on Pettersson

How do you go about stopping Elias Pettersson?

It is a good question and one the Golden Knights will need to try and solve if they are to avoid another disappointing early exit in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

But that’s the rub here.

There probably is no way to completely put the shackles on Pettersson.

Pettersson is an absolute stud and he’s showing all the signs that he’s ready to morph into a genuine elite forward in the National Hockey League.

He’s quick, incredibly skilled, very intelligent and able to withstand teams trying to bully him off the puck.

Elias Pettersson #40 of the Vancouver Canucks scores a goal past Robin Lehner #90 of the Vegas Golden Knights during the second period in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

He’s just a special player and the resume is there so far this postseason.

In 12 games Pettersson leads the Canucks in Stanley Cup Playoffs points with 16 (5 G, 11 A), and he also leads the team in power play points (9).

Then there’s the way Pettersson can pull a moment of magic out of the air.

Go back to the second period in Game 2 when Pettersson had the calmness and the presence to take a quick pass in front, shift to his forehand and beat Robin Lehner with a delicious deke.

It was a highlight-reel play and, while you can’t stop superstars, if the Golden Knights can find a way of slowing down Elias Pettersson in Game 3 then that could be enough to give them a 3-1 series lead.

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