What an absolute Godsend.

Thank you, Elias Pettersson.

Seriously, where would this franchise be without this game-changing, dynamic, incredible 200-foot player who once again, is only 21 years old.

I don’t want to say this was Pettersson’s coming out party — I think that was when he scored 10 goals in his first 10 games — but his standout playoff performance cemented the fact that he’s one of the best players in the game today.

There are so many stats you can point to that tells you just how dominant Pettersson was in these playoffs.

Gretzky comparisons are a nice place to start.

And another one!

Pettersson’s numbers are also right up there among the best in franchise history as well (boy, has it been a sad 50 years for the Canucks). His 18 playoff points are 8th best all-time. His four power play goals were also tied for second-best all-time, with Greg Adams (‘92-93), Trevor Linden (‘93-94), and Daniel Sedin (‘10-11) tied for the record with five.

Strengths

Where do we start...how about that aforementioned power play where Pettersson spearheaded a unit that absolutely obliterated the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues.

During those first two series, Pettersson posted eight power play points in 10 games. Eight points in 10 games is good for an above average player, but that was solely Pettersson’s PP production.

Also, can we point out Pettersson’s big balls as being a strength?

The guy is not afraid to get creative with the puck, with is a huge asset to his game. It’s one of the main reasons why he’s such a clutch performer.

Pettersson scored three goals in four games against Vegas in Round Two. Unsurprisingly, the Canucks went 1-4 when Pettersson didn’t record a point. Three of those losses were shutouts.

When Pettersson doesn’t score, the Canucks often don’t score.

The last thing that needs to be pointed out is his work on the back-check. He’s already such a strong 200-foot player, and he’s able to use his speed to make up for mistakes whenever things go astray in the offensive zone.

Weaknesses

His main weakness...he can’t skate 60 minutes per night. Do better, Elias.

Jokes aside, it is pretty hard to find a weakness in his game. If there’s one thing you’d like him to improve on, it’s finding ways to get the puck of of his own zone.

This is completely unfair to single out Pettersson for this — he has the best shot attempt differential on the team at 47.3% — but you’d like to see a player as talented as Pettersson spend less time in his own zone.

Against a team like Vegas who dominated possession, Pettersson’s line often found themselves hemmed the defensive zone. That’s not all on Pettersson, but it’s difficult for the Canucks to win games when their best player is forced to play defence most of the night.

Best Moment

So many to choose from. His falling down slot snipe against Jordan Binnington was legendary.

Or, if you’re into the savagery of hockey, you might choose this moment.

How about this play to set up Jake Virtanen’s first career playoff goal as well?

Still, I think his deke on Robin Lehner has to stand as the best moment.

Overall Grade: A+ with an extra slice of “keep doing this for the next 20 years in Vancouver please.”