All fans really want is hope.

And when an NHL season starts to go sideways, it’s either customary or a sense of desperation to look beyond the wins, losses, and losing streaks to find the belief that better times are really not that far off.

So, where is it here? And who is it?

The Vancouver Canucks’ young and quickly-blossoming third defensive pairing of Elias Pettersson, 21, and Tom Willander, 20, are providing that hope. It’s a blend of the robust and rambunctious Pettersson combined with the smooth-skating and slick playmaking of Willander.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

It’s like your coffee barista finally got it right. Serving up something that satisfies the hockey palate.

Willander had a couple of defensive struggles Sunday in a 5-2 loss to the Cal

See Full Page