The Vancouver Canucks are navigating a rough patch, capped by a 5-4 overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.
With just one win in their last five games (1-2-2), frustration is beginning to boil over in the locker room.
"It's great we battled back to get a point, but it's getting annoying," said Brock Boeser, who scored twice in the game. "We need to find a way to get two points."
Slow starts have been a recurring issue for the Canucks, who have allowed the first goal in 17 of their 33 games this season.
Despite this trend, they hold a respectable 9-6-2 record in those situations, but players are well aware that this pattern isn't sustainable.
"Frustrating," said star defenseman and captain Quinn Hughes. "We competed hard, but now all we can do is look forward. We've got one more game before the break, and we need to win."
Hughes, who scored and tallied two assists against Ottawa, has been a bright spot in Vancouver's lineup.
With 40 points on the season, he's second only to Colorado's Cale Makar in scoring among defensemen.
"He's an amazing player," Boeser said of Hughes. "We're witnessing greatness right in front of our eyes. He's got such high standards, and it's no surprise he's dominating."
While Hughes shines, other Canucks stars have gone cold. J.T. Miller has yet to score in six games since his return from personal leave.
Elias Pettersson is mired in a six-game pointless streak, and Conor Garland hasn't found the back of the net since late November.
Head coach Rick Tocchet emphasized the need for struggling players to contribute in other ways.
"If scoring isn't happening, you have to focus on being a good forechecker or supporting your teammates," Tocchet said.
The Canucks will look to regroup and end their slump on a high note as they face the San Jose Sharks in their final game before the holiday break.
With frustration mounting, a strong performance is critical to restoring confidence heading into the second half of the season.
