Pettersson 'finding it' after slow start to season

Vancouver Canucks star Elias Pettersson is happy to be in a groove after a highly-criticized slow start.

"Just trying to find my game again," Pettersson told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre. "I know what I'm capable of, (I'm) just finding it."

Pettersson was the first star of Tuesday's win over the Calgary Flames after registering a goal and an assist. He's up to nine points in 14 games after beginning the campaign with only four points in his first 10 contests.

The 26-year-old has been under the microscope since signing an eight-year, $92.8-million extension last season. Pettersson produced only five goals and nine assists in 20 games after signing the deal in March and had six points in 13 playoff contests.

Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet credited his highest-paid player for putting in extra effort of late.

"He's working at his game. He's going on the ice a bit early, I think that's helping. He's working hard, and that's the only way you get out of these things. He's starting to get his skating legs," Tocchet said.

He added: "He just seems like (in) the last week, he's really kind of (said) 'enough's enough.' He's rolled up his sleeves, and that's what I want to see from him."

The Canucks drafted Pettersson fifth overall in 2017. Tuesday's performance moved him into 10th on the franchise's all-time scoring list (421), surpassing former teammate Bo Horvat.