A strong performance from the Vancouver Canucks prospects earned the team a 4-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets as the Young Stars tournament kicked off in Penticton on Friday night.
The Canucks kids delivered on their promise as arguably the deepest group in this year's tournament, outshooting the Jets 39-20 and sharing the spotlight, with a number of standout performances.
Here's how the lines were deployed:
#Canucks #YoungStars lineup vs WPG pic.twitter.com/itFDZUF0fM
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) September 9, 2017
Kole Lind led the way offensively on the second line with three points—an empty-net goal and two assists, both on the power play. Special teams were the difference in the game—the Canucks penalty killers were perfect in two shorthanded situations, while Jonah Gadjovich and Griffen Molino scored first period goals as the Canucks went 2-for-2 with the man advantage.
Jonah Gadjovich finishes off the nice passing play from Lind and McKenzie to tie game at 1#Canucks #YoungStars pic.twitter.com/RTkZ3rimef
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) September 9, 2017
Griffen Molino scores on the PP to put the #Canucks up 3-1#YoungStars pic.twitter.com/Ugb80rcv0v
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) September 9, 2017
The Canucks came out of the opening frame with a 3-1 lead despite falling into an early hole. Thatcher Demko played the full 60 minutes, but got beat early on a screen shot.
"Dealing with traffic was tough, that's something you don't see in the summer. But I'm happy with my game and how we played." - @tdemko30 pic.twitter.com/YlufvzovOd
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 9, 2017
Jalen Chatfield scored Vancouver's only 5-on-5 goal to give the Canucks a 2-1 lead at the 7:03 mark of the first period, set up by Zack MacEwen.
Jalen Chatfield scores to put the #Canucks up 2-1#YoungStars pic.twitter.com/stYJVKtuvb
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) September 9, 2017
Shortly after scoring, Chatfield was knocked out of the game by a high hit from Kody McDonald, who received a charging major and a game misconduct. Chatfield did return to finish the game.
Michael Carcone also showed some toughness, going after Winnipeg's Mathieu Sevigny in the third period.
Unleash the beast @MikeCarcone8 💪👊 pic.twitter.com/lO1iQz8yae
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 9, 2017
In my mind, the best news about Friday's game is that there is a legitimate debate when trying to identify Vancouver's best players.
Coach Cull said he was impressed by his group, named Lind, Boeser and Demko as standouts. Liked Carcone's toughness. #YoungStars
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 9, 2017
Paterson pre-season post-game power rankings:
— Jeff Paterson (@patersonjeff) September 9, 2017
1) Kole Lind
2) Jalen Chatfield
3) Griffen Molino
HM: Zack MacEwen#Canucks
It's looking more and more like the Canucks scouting staff did some excellent work last spring, signing free agents Chatfield, Molino and MacEwen. They're all AHL-ready and look like they'll add some serious punch to the Utica Comets lineup this season.
Off the ice, a couple of other quick notes from the Canucks organization on Friday. After undergoing shoulder surgery in April, Brendan Gaunce won't be ready to start the season.
Clarification on Gaunce injury: Benning says the Canucks forward is out until at least early November after his shoulder surgery.
— Blake Price (@BlakePriceTSN) September 8, 2017
It's not unusual for surgeries of this sort to keep a player sidelined for up to six months.
Brendan Gaunce's agent Anton Thun says his client's shoulder recovery is on schedule, no setbacks. #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 5, 2017
Gaunce's injury takes one player out of the competition for an opening-night roster spot—and could help explain why Ryan White and Scottie Upshall will be with the team at camp on PTOs.
Benning on Upshall PTO " He is a solid pro and he's a penalty killer. Travis wanted to look at him and White at camp." #Canucks
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 8, 2017
And finally, from the injury/illness department—we should still see mono-stricken Jonathan Dahlen in Utica this year.
Benning on Dahlen: "He wants to learn the North American game. His mindset is to come over here." #Canucks
— Canucks Now (@CanucksNow) September 8, 2017
I'll leave it there for now. Time to get on the road. Next stop—Penticton!