25% done with 75% to go … time for the obligatory “Quarter Pole Analysis”.
As a team the Canucks have been a Jekyll-and-Hyde group with some extremely poor play early which has been followed with a fair amount of recent success that now has them 2 games over 500 (although I have no idea what “500” means any more in this 3-pointer era) and only two points away from the coveted 3rd seed in the conference.
I truly believe that the combination of last year’s successful run after Christmas and the amount of injuries suffered in Training Camp and Pre-Season conspired against the Canucks and led to the poor performance early.
The players thought they were better than they were and were looking forward to continuing where they left off last year. Unfortunately the months in between games numbed their brains and they forgot what it actually was that had made them so “good” the previous year.
They knew they were an excellent defensive team that was very difficult to play against and forced the opposition into making mistakes. They knew that they have arguably the best goaltender in the league. They knew they were an offensively challenged team and that if they could possibly squeak out another 30 goals or so while doing what they do best they could look to potentially build on last year’s 2nd round elimination.
As a result, they started talking about the playoffs and challenging for the Holy Grail before they had even hit the ice in September. Coach Alain Vigneault immediately started sounding the alarm bells stressing it was the process that was important. Follow the rules, do the little things and the results you’re looking for will be there. Unfortunately the team’s hearing aids were turned down when AV continually repeated those words.
The first 13 games saw the good guys losing 8, with 2 of their 5 wins coming against the Oilers and another on a fluky last second OT winner against the Flames by Daniel Sedin. Sprinkled in was the humiliating loss against the Flyers where no one seemed to care; a loss to the then last place Kings who managed to keep the Canucks off the shot clock for an astounding 30+ minutes; and of course, the infamous 3-0 shutout “Bronx Cheer” game with the Predators on Nov 1st. To put the icing on the cake, all three of those disasters were on home ice, in front of the people paying the bills.
Of course, adding insult to injury were the freak injuries of top-4 Dmen Sami Salo and Kevin Bieksa in the Nashville game. Looking back, that game was definitely the turning point of the season so far as it gave the players a big slap-upside-the-head. It was obvious to all that if they didn’t get their you-know-what together a lot of them would soon be plying their trade in other cities.
It was now or never heading into Colorado two nights later and they came through with an excellent game snapping the Avalanche’s team record 6-game unbeaten streak at home to start a season. That game was the first of a crucial 8 consecutive against Northwest rivals that is coming to end tonight in Minnesota. A regulation win tonight will give the team a share of first place in the division and they would leave St Paul with 14 out of a possible 16 points from those 8 games.
If they hadn’t come to the realization after the Nashville game that they’d best start to listen to their coaches and work their butts off playing a tight disciplined defensive game, then they could easily be sitting last in the conference right now.
Now all you hear is that this “new” style of concentrating on play in your end has actually led to more offensive production and you can tell that they are having fun doing it. Winning tends to have that effect on players. Now all they have to do is not get too high on themselves and keep on keeping on!
Now The Grades … as with my post game assessments, these are not necessarily the best or worst players, but are solely based on how the individuals have performed relative to my personal expectations on a nightly basis.
Roberto Luongo – A
Current numbers of 2.49 GAA and .912 SV% are not quite yet Luongo-like but they are considerably closer than they were 2 weeks ago. There was a lot of criticism of his play early on but I still feel it was more the ridiculous play in front of him than it was the way he was playing. Having said that, he’s set the bar very high for himself with his stellar play last year and he wasn’t living up to that level early on … there’s no disputing the fact he is now.
Curtis Sanford – A
The Sandman has played a whopping 99 minutes heading into his second start of the season tonight in Minnesota and sports a 3.03 GAA and .906 SV% for his efforts. His only start so far was in Columbus where he made 35 saves in a 4-1 win.
Mattias Ohlund – C+ - 18GP 3-3-6 -2, 37 shots, 1 GWG
Unfortunately the Canuck veteran had a bit of a brain fart the other night in his retaliatory two-hander to Mikko Koivu and the subsequent 4 game suspension he received has come when he’s started to play his best hockey of the year. His recent play has been “A” worthy, but there were far too many sub-par performances early on to give him a higher grade.
Kevin Bieksa – C - 12GP 1-3-4 -5, 21 shots, 1 GWG
Much like Ohlund, Bieksa seemed to be settling into form with improved play when lightning struck in the form of Vernon Fiddler’s skate blade severing his calf muscle. There was much debate to his health status at the start of the year but not much on his performance. He appeared to be trying to live up to elevated expectations and, for the most part, failed miserably by making a lot of poor decisions. Currently on the shelf for at least another two months.
Aaron Miller – C+ - 20GP – 0-1-1, +2, 8 shots
Having abdominal surgery prior to Training Camp certainly put the experienced Dman behind the 8-ball and it showed in his play. In the last 10 games or so he seems to have found his groove and is being rewarded with key minutes on the PK with Willie Mitchell. Also has been asked to “mentor” Luc Bourdon playing alongside the highly touted 1st rounder and really seems to relish that opportunity.
Lucas Krajicek – B – 11GP 1-4-5, -3, 11 shots
The throw-in of the Luongo for Todd Bertuzzi trade is playing very solid and is showing great potential to eventually be an every day top-4 Dman in the league. After a so-so regular season last year he played very well in the playoffs, especially against the bigger hard hitting Anaheim Duck forwards. He hasn’t missed a beat this year, either to start the season, or in coming back early from his broken foot due to Ohlund’s suspension. He is becoming much stronger along the boards and in front of his own net to go along with his above average skating and passing ability.
Sami Salo – B – 4GP 0-0-0, +2, 6 shots
The big Finn’s recent broken nose is about the 57th injury of his career. Dave Nonis took a bit of a risk in signing him long-term, but he is extremely underrated defensively and obviously is very good in the offensive end of the ice. While only seeing 4 games to date, he was one of the best Dmen on the ice in those games. There’s a chance he may play Friday in St Louis.
Willie Mitchell – A – 20GP 1-3-4, +7, 15 shots, 1 GWG
Another of the slow starters on this 37th edition of the Canucks, but unlike others, his recent play has more than been enough to get his overall mark up to the top. Leading the team with a very respectable +7, while always matched up against the opposition’s best says everything you need to know about the potential future captain of this team. Since being “called out” by Vigneault he has played as good as I’ve ever seen a defensive defenseman play this game. Continually plays lengthy extended shifts on the PK and has really helped Alex Edler look as good as he does.
Mike Weaver – B – 15GP 0-0-0, -1, 7 shots
The waiver-wire pick up has gone from the NHL scrap heap to playing a prominent role on the under-manned blueline. It’s pretty easy to grade out well when there are pretty much zero expectations, but the under-sized Weaver has more than held his own to this point making way more smart plays than the alternative by constantly playing within himself. Once everyone is healthy it’s hard to see him being any higher than #7 of the group, but his excellent efforts and attitude have been much appreciated by everyone in the organization.
Alexander Edler - A – 13GP 1-4-5, +6, 16 shots
I can not say enough good things about this young blueliner. We saw the natural poise in which he constantly displays last year, but this year he has taken things to a whole different level. Adding somewhere in the neighbourhood of 20 lbs to his 6’3 frame seems to have added a ton of confidence. He is solid in every single facet of the game with less than 40 games experience under his belt. Even when he does make the mistakes that all young players make, he seems to have an uncanny ability to make the right decision in the recovery as his 6 PIM would suggest. I don’t know how long Uncle Dave’s “untouchable list” is, but I’m 100% confident that Edler’s name is on that list.
Luc Bourdon – B – 7GP 1-0-1, +2, 7 shots
Night and day between the young player we saw last year and what we’re seeing now. If ever there was a poster-child for the “less is more” theory, Bourdon is it. The coaching staff in Winnipeg, led by Scott Arniel, deserves almost as much credit as Luc himself for his development. Every game he plays now he looks more and more confident in his ability and is slowly expanding his playmaking repertoire. There’s been too much pressure put on this kid in the past (it’s not his fault no one knew how to make Draft Picks in this organization!) and it finally looks like they are going to let him develop at the pace that works best for him. He will probably be returned to Winnipeg as soon as Salo returns, but the future is definitely bright for the former 1st rounder.
Brendan Morrison – B – 20GP 6-7-13, -2, 35 shots
One of the favourite scapegoats in this City for the team’s lack of offense in the last few years, Mo has played extremely well this year. Finally healthy, which is ironic considering he still has yet to miss a game as a Canuck and is the current NHL Ironman, Morrison definitely seems to have his old skating legs back under him coming off of two consecutive off-seasons that saw him go under the knife. More than holding his own offensively so far, and always dependable defensively, what impresses me most is his leadership and his ability to make those around him better. He has been very good on the point on the PP, playing much more of a “rover” style than in the past. It will be hard not to offer him a new contract if he keeps playing like he has so far.
Taylor Pyatt – B – 20GP 5-4-9, -1, 36 shots, 1 GWG
Many felt that the big Pyatt couldn’t contribute without his Swedish Crutches, and he is proving them wrong. Even last year, including playoffs, approximately 45% of his goals came with nary a Twin on the ice. His skating is underrated and he appears to be playing a slightly more physical game than he has in the past. Not knock-guys-on-their-keester physical enough for most of our liking, but he’s using his size and strength very well along the boards and protecting the puck. He also seems to be doing very well in his new role as Kesler’s winger on the new-found “shut-down line”. Even in this more defensive role, his quick release should still get him close to 20 goals this year.
Alexandre Burrows – A – 20GP 3-5-8, +5, 21 shots, 2 GWG
Called out by Vigneault in Training Camp as someone who must deliver more if he wanted to keep his job, Burrows has come through for his coach in flying colours. Probably the team’s most consistent player night-in, night-out, he’s seen very little ice but has done everything expected of him while starting to show some offensive instinct and confidence. A true “feel good” story from my perspective.
Byron Ritchie – C – 19GP 1-1-2, even, 15 shots
Ritchie’s play has really improved as of late after a very poor start to the year in every area of the game. His face-off numbers are greatly improving and he seems to be getting more confident in playing the point on the PP. He’s playing more physical and his defensive decisions are a lot better. Very close to a “C+”, but his start was a lot to overcome.
Trevor Linden – C+ - 15GP 1-2-3, +3, 10 shots
Playing what is more than likely his last season in the NHL, the most popular Canuck of all time is the epitome of team-first; always willing to sacrifice himself as an individual for the good of the team as a whole. On ice talents are definitely on the decline but his leadership and meaning to this team are unquestionable. Similar to last year, he’s starting to play a lot better and has been rewarded by Vigneault with both PP duty and being asked to take more face-offs.
Ryan Kesler – A – 20GP 3-8-11, +5, 40 shots
To date, the 23 year old is the breakout player of the year for this franchise. The confidence he is showing in all aspects of the game has been contagious for almost everyone he plays with. His blazing speed is very noticeable in almost every game and he seems to be trying to do more with the puck and is starting to show that he’s actually capable of it. 40 shots on goal puts him 3rd on the team and that’s happening while he’s being asked to shut down the opposition’s best players first. Once his hands catch up to his feet he could be one of the best two-way players in the game … a perennial Selke candidate who can get you 25 goals.
Markus Naslund – C+ - 20GP 7-9-16, -2, 57 shots
The much-maligned captain’s recent play in the last 3 games (5 points) has raised his grade from what would have been a “C”. He has continued to work hard on his defensive responsibilities under AV’s system and has gotten his +/- down from scary levels at the start of the year. Defenders of the classy Swede have said he needs consistent line mates to be successful and the recent games playing along side the Sedins is supporting that theory. He seems to have more excitement on and off the ice and it is starting to show on the scoresheet.
Jeff Cowan - D – 7GP 0-1-1, +1, 6 shots
Cowan is definitely one of the biggest disappointments so far. Needs to play more of a physical in your face game and make simple plays. While injury has set him back, I think he’s trying to do more than he’s capable of and needs to just go back to what he does best.
Daniel Sedin – C+ - 20GP 8-11-19, -1, 44 shots, 3 GWG
A bit of hit and miss with consistency to date, but his production in division games can not be under valued. Like his brother, Daniel has almost always come through in the biggest games and continues that this year. Having said that, the bar has been set high and both Sedins need to, at a minimum, equal last year’s regular season production and improve on their playoff performance of last year.
Matt Cooke – C+ - 3-1-4, even, 21 shots
Benched for the first time in his career for extremely indifferent play, Cooke has come back from that personal disappointment to play quite well. He still contributes very well on the PK, but it would be nice to see a little more production from him, especially considering the amount of ice time he’s seeing with Morrison.
Brad Isbister – D – 16GP 2-4-6, +3, 21 shots
The career under achiever is living up to his reputation … maybe I should have given him an A as he’s met expectations! He’s managed to score his first 2 goals in the last two games but both have been very lucky, catching the goaltenders completely off-guard. He is a slow skater who doesn’t use his size enough and makes a lot of poor decisions with the puck. If not for his one-way contract he very well may be with the Moose instead of here.
Henrik Sedin – C+ - 5-15-20, even, 36 shots, 1 GWG
A bit of hit and miss with consistency to date, but his production in division games can not be under valued. Like his brother, Henrik has almost always come through in the biggest games and continues that this year. Having said that, the bar has been set high and both Sedins need to, at a minimum, equal last year’s regular season production and improve on their playoff performance of last year.
20 games in, the Canucks are certainly in the race, but then again who isn’t when losing teams have an opportunity to get a point? Currently, there are only 4 points separating the second place Sharks and the 12th place Flames in the western conference. For those of you trying to follow along at home, that’s 11 teams all within 2 wins of each other.
For the Canucks to finish in the top eight of this ridiculously tight race, they will have to continue the strong defensive play, supporting each other in tight 5-man units in all 3 zones of the ice. Hopefully, the start of this season was enough of a wake-up call to get it in their heads what they must do to be successful and they will continue to do all the little things required.
20 down and only 62 more to go before the real season starts!
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