Cotter Rebuffs Canucks Last-Place Talk After Scoring in Four Straight
Paul Cotter responded to preseason predictions that Vancouver would finish last, saying he is pleased with the team's 2-2-0 start. Cotter scored in his 300th NHL game, a power-play goal against Vegas, and has four goals and six points in four games. Vancouver lost 3-2 to the Golden Knights, with Jonathan Lekkerimaki also scoring and Elias Pettersson extending his point streak to four games.
Cotter’s 300th NHL appearance featured a first-period power-play goal versus Vegas, the franchise that drafted him in Round 4 in 2018. He spent parts of three seasons with the Golden Knights before two years with New Jersey.
Vancouver’s 3-2 loss included a Jonathan Lekkerimaki goal and an Elias Pettersson assist, which continued Pettersson’s four-game point run. Cotter has four goals and six points in four contests, starting with an overtime winner against Edmonton. His career high is 16 goals.
This storyline may shape how Canucks fans and hockey media perceive Vancouver’s early season, potentially easing preseason pessimism around the club. Cotter’s production and public response could boost teammate confidence and fan engagement, while also raising expectations for the forward and the team’s upcoming road trip. For opposing teams and analysts, it may serve as a reminder that early predictions are provisional, though four games remain a small sample.