RogersTowell

I think the least we can expect from the hockey we've seen so far is a high tempo and exciting game every night, which is a very nice change from the Willie D years.

So you are going to base the entire season on a three minute stretch of a single game? Check the standings. Apparently it's not all doom and gloom. There is a bit of concern about blowing the lead, but unless it happens often, it's nothing to worry about. The last goal was a brilliant shot on a good play. It's the goal before that that needs addressing, but should be easy to fix since it was a d-man getting caught too high in the zone that blew that coverage (I won't say who because he's had two great games other than that one mistake).

Chiasson hasn't impressed me during the pre-season or the first regular season game. I really don't get why he got a contract at the expense of a younger player who has more long term potential. I truly hopes he proves me wrong though.

I like a few things about Burroughs so far. First, he plays a decently physical game. Secondly, he plays within his limitations and doesn't make a lot of mistakes trying to do too much. He's been responsible defensively. We'll have to see if he can manage more minutes as time goes on. He might be one of those d-men who doesn't really reach his potential until 27 or so, which would be good for us. I don't think that his potential is elite, but here's hoping he can be solid defensively and a physical presence. If Burroughs is small, does that mean Bo is fat at 220?

I'm 23 and holding. I remember back when Orland Kurtenbach was named as the first captain of the Canucks. I've been 23 for a very long time.

4-2 Canucks. Pettersson for the win!

I can't believe they sent Mac down.

I like his physical play, but I'm not yet sold on the rest of his game.

If you can't be positive at the start of the season, your a critic, not a fan.

Canucks win 3-2. GWG = Horvat First goal = EP

Pre-season is never something about which to get too excited. It's rarely a predictor of regular season performance. If I were to give it a grade it would have to be a C I suppose. There was lots of time for tweeners to show what they have but too many of them didn't have enough to be impressive. Some of the late decisions have me shaking my head. Zack Mac sent down while Chiasson is signed is an odd choice. The Juolevi trade also has me shaking my head. It will be interesting to see what happens starting Wednesday.

This is definitely a "show me" season. There's been plenty of time to turn things around since taking over. I'm mostly happy with Aquilini other than the possibility of interference with the rebuild early on.

I liked the Jurmo pick when it happened and it's nice to see he's developing strongly this year. Maybe next year he comes to Canucks training camp to evaluate where he stands.

I think that's a bit too harsh. He's a 7/8 NHL defenceman. Suitable for spot duty only like Biega was.

I think Podkolzin's going to have a good season based on his play and progression so far in the pre-season. He can play up and down the line, plays a strong, smart and skilled game. It's like having a young Bo Horvat playing wing. It might take a few years for him to completely blossom, but I like what I see so far. Very mature play by a very young man.

Petan has a pretty decent offensive skill set, but doesn't really stand out in terms of individual efforts in skating the puck or passing. Decent shooting and reasonable hustle. In his own end he's a bit behind the curve at times. I'd classify him currently as a higher end tweener. He is likely not going to be on the starting roster but he's the kind of guy who can slot in on the top six with any injuries. I don't think he's necessarily what we'd want on the bottom six though. I can see him getting in 20 games or so this year perhaps.

So I don't think this was a good take for the Oilers. They played almost their full starting roster against a half AHL Canuck squad and didn't look dominant at all. Their PP looked good, but it won't be as easy to get a PP in the regular season.

I think Mac got in a two punch combo before Kassian dropped to the ice that might have ko'd him. The second punch was as he was going down.

Colitas (little tails) is Mexican slang for marijuana buds. In North America, long top sections of the plant with lots of buds are typically called "colas" while on the plant.

If I were the one making decisions, Juolevi makes opening day line up over Rathbone or Hunt. Rathbone has big offensive upside, but so far it hasn't translated to much on the scoreboard. Hunt works hard but needs to work on shot accuracy from the point and defensive positioning. Juolevi does so many of the little things right. He's not super flashy, but he's very effective defensively and just makes good choices more often than the other two. Maybe Rathbone will look better again when we drop some of the obvious AHL players off the roster and distil this down to a higher level of play. Hunt is definitely 7-8 on this roster.

I've been impressed by his speed and willingness to finish checks hard. He's got reasonable skill. I think this might be his year to break into the league for more than a taste. It's good to see him being given time on the PK.

Podkolzin has had a pretty solid pre-season so far. He's been noticeable in every game in a good way at both ends of the ice. It hasn't showed up on the score sheet much yet, but it's going to happen. It's like watching a young Bo Horvat play wing.

And here is a prime example of non-scientists interpreting data. Vitamin D deficiency is common in the elderly and the immuno-compromised. There's nothing wrong with having a good diet and physical fitness, but they are no panacea. Vaccination is a vastly greater preventative measure than anything you've mentioned. Masking, social distance and lockdown add protection regardless of how fit you are. There are remarkably few people who have allergies or conditions that preclude them from being vaccinated. If in doubt talk to your doctor. A significant percentage of people who think they have a condition preventing vaccination are mistaken.

Perhaps read the rest of my comment for some examples of the people who can give you good advice.

There are a lot of other people who can advise you. You make the decision. Honestly, I had no need to ask my doctor. I studied this stuff in university and am well versed in the current literature on the topic. Vaccinologists, epidemiologists, immunologists, all of these have more information on the topic than your doctor. Your doctor knows your personal health history, which is their one advantage. For 99% of people that is irrelevant as they have no allergies or underlying risks to vaccination. I'm not laughing, however I do appreciate the irony of this situation. Call it a character flaw if it makes you happy.