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New year similar start?

October 17, 2010, 4:04 PM ET [ Comments]
Peter Tessier
Vancouver Canucks Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The most telling quote in the aftermath of Friday night's 4-1 loss to the Kings was from Mikael Samuelsson, "some guys think they are just going to score 30-40 goals a season". This pretty much sums up the 'attitude' I think is present within the team right now. A bit too much believing of the press clippings and not enough trying to do the hard work.

There is no question the Canucks are a talented team led by two dynamic forwards Henrik and Daniel Sedin. After those two there seems to be void of talent right now, but certainly not in the names on the roster. Raymond, Kesler, Samuelsson, Torres, Hansen and Malhotra are all guys who can put the puck in net and play within the two-way possession game demanded by Alain Vigneault. So why aren't they doing it?

I'm no so sure there isn't a missing piece to this puzzle right now. The piece may be named Alexandre Burrows but it's not the name but more the style of play which comes with the brand. Burrows is the first true 'get under your skin' player the Canucks have had in a long time and despite all the injuries last year he was the one who came through with a huge season no matter where he played. Burrows is the 'x-factor' player who keeps teams on their toes and more importantly his team mates. He goes where the dirty play is and he knows who butters his bread. It's what is missing right now with the Canucks.

Despite Burrows' absense from the line up it does not mean the rest of the roster gets a pass. Kesler and Raymond have had great chances in 4 games but have not converted, the same with Samuelsson. While the Canucks have created chances and have little to show for it they have not carried the play in any game, the style which worked so well for them last season.

Although the entire team was lifeless in the LA game, the above statement never seemed more true. The Canucks let the Kings own the ice from the face-off circles in almost from crease to crease. There was no presence in the middle of the ice. There was no drive to gain position and possession. How many of the Kings' goals were due to position on the ice? I counted 3 all because they established a presence where the Canucks were unwilling to go.

The line have been adjusted for tonight's game with Raymond on the top and Hansen on the second along with Jeff Tambellini. Torres and Samuelsson go to the 3rd line. I'm not entirely buying that second line but I think the 3rd line could be good, quite good if Torres and Samuelsson are going to work in the dirty areas and establish a position.

In some ways the lifelessness seen on Friday is much like some early games last season. A start which saw the Canucks have rather mediocre months of October and November. Is it time to be concerned? I don't think so but if Alex Burrows is out longer than expected then we will all see the value he brings to the Canucks and just how important he is with or without the Sedins.

Enjoy the game.


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