Pettersson is in the first year of his eight-year, $92.8 million contract, one he signed with the franchise as recently as last March, and has faced criticism for inconsistent play of late including some internal drama involving fellow forward J.T. Miller.

Pettersson responded by breaking the game wide-open for the Canucks late in the second period. Kiefer Sherwood ’s 2-1 goal was a key turning point because the club had only mustered 13 shots entering the final TV timeout of the second period, but it was Pettersson who made sure to put the game out of reach.

While it is still a mystery what injury Pettersson has, Daily Faceoff's Irfaan Gaffar reports that Hughes has a hand injury. As for the timing of the injuries, Pettersson left the December 23 game against the San Jose Sharks during the second period, while Hughes' injury happened before the game.