Canucks vs. Oilers: How Quinn Hughes is difference to generate offense

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Validation comes in various forms.

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Points and praise are often the satisfying summation of a successful NHL season because it’s an indication of current value and future potential. And if that includes hitting contract bonus platforms and earning awards, all the better.

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Quinn Hughes is not wired that way because there’s something much bigger at play.

The dynamic and driven Vancouver Canucks defenseman has always believed that the true measure of professionalism and performance is the incredible NHL playoff grind. And to get to know it, you’ve got to learn to own it.

Overcoming time-and-space confines, added physical attention to throw him off his game, and taking another big step in the Stanley Cup pursuit, are new chapters in an incredible book of work.

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“I’m just as good as anyone. But if you’re really an elite defenseman, you have to be competing and at least be in the playoffs,” Hughes had told Postmedia of his definition of success. “I don’t think this is the peak for me at all.”

And that’s saying something.

Hughes, 24, is the Norris Trophy favorite for leading all blueliners with 92 points (17-75) and leading by example on and off the ice.

He set personal and franchise records this season and made a seamless transition into the captaincy and fishbowl of scrutiny that comes with wearing the crown in a hockey-mad market.

Hughes also knows what’s coming Wednesday.

He will be tested mentally and physically to defend and also trigger the transition when a second-round series against the heavily favored Edmonton Oilers opens at Rogers Arena.

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“I obviously enjoyed the first round and it’s a great success for us, but I don’t think anybody is hanging their hat on that,” Hughes said of a six-game, opening-round series triumph over the pesky Nashville Predators. “They (Oilers) have an excellent team and it’s going to be really hard.

“I’ve probably played those guys 25-30 times — and 10 times in the COVID year — so I definitely have a feel for how good they are and what their team is. It will be elevated even more.”

The Oilers went 9-for-20 on the power play in their first-round series dominance of the Los Angeles Kings. Connor McDavid, who piled up 132 points this season that included 100 assists, had 11 assists in the series to set the playmaking tone.

Zach Hyman had 54 goals this season and Leon Draisaitl 41. The Canucks counter with 103 points from JT Miller and 40 goals from Brock Boeser. However, the Canucks will have to generate more than the 13 goals they managed against the Predators. Hughes had five assists.

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“I don’t know if we’re an underdog, or if anyone is expecting us to win,” said Hughes. “All I know is what I know. I’m just putting myself in a position where I’m prepared to play my best hockey. Everyone is trying to do that.”

An improved defensive structure and penalty kill are crucial to stay in step with the Oilers. The Canucks became comfortable in close and low-event games this season. That didn’t happen in the past. They often waited for that other skate to drop. Not against the Predators.

“We didn’t score too much and had our looks, especially in Game 6, and didn’t create as much as we normally do, but we didn’t give them much,” stressed Hughes. “Our goalies played great and we defended hard. We were comfortable and trusted our systems.

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“But every series has its own flow or agenda.”

Hughes tried to escape extra attention against the Predators and it will be the same against the Oilers. He was targeted, pounded and sandwiched in the first round, but was better for the experience of knowing what to expect and rebounding to make a difference.

In a 13-second span of vulnerability during a Game 4 overtime win at Nashville, he was hit hard and then caught between two forecheckers for a double dose of playoff pain. He went to the bench doubled over in discomfort. He returned to make a pivotal late-game play to send the struggle into the extra session.

Hughes logged 11:06 off his 24:09 in the final frenetic period. His offensive-zone awareness led to Boeser’s tying effort with 6.2 seconds remaining with Arturs Silovs pulled for the second time for an extra attacker.

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Hughes hustled to keep the puck in at the point and sent Gustav Nyquist sprawling with a magnificent move to keep the puck alive and start the pivotal scoring sequence.

None of that surprised those who got to know the player and the person. Especially with his “we-not-me” team focus.

“Huggy has matured at an incredible rate the last couple of years,” said veteran Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers. “You don’t really look at him like a kid anymore with the way he conducts himself.

“It doesn’t surprise me how he handles certain situations. He’s a guy we all lean on. An amazing player and an amazing person.”

Maybe Nikita Zadorov put it best.

“We expect it,” said the hulking Canucks defenseman. “He’s arguably the best player on our team. And he’s a tough boy. He can handle it and stepped up when we needed him.”

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NEXT GAME

Round 2, Game 1, Stanley Cup Playoffs

Canucks vs. Oilers

When/Where: Wednesday, 7 p.m., Rogers Arena
TV: SN Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650

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