Review: Pre-Season Thoughts On The Coming Year + Current Status

[nuck luck]

Before the season started, I did a review on the coming season and graded Benning and Linden's moves, needless to say, I got into some heated discussions. Anyways, I think it's a good time to review the season thus far.... we've got a long break, so what else are we gonna do?

Another long post so be warned...

VETERANS

Sedins - I was never a doubter, it's great to see that they haven't lost their touch and can still put up points. Great to see them with a sniper, but I think they still need to focus more on shots, shots, shots & more shots!

Burrows - I think Burrows is a perfect example of what a bad coach can do to a player... Another player I never doubted and knew he'd be back to form. So crucial to this team, especially with Kesler gone now. He's very versatile and can play the 1st line, 2nd line and 3rd, he will always be a key player in my eyes...as he gets older, he'd be a reliable 3rd or 4th that can slot in anywhere when needed. And, I would bet he signs for a discount too, on his next contract.

Hansen - Love to see him getting back to form...not much puck luck recently, but considering his 2-way game I'm not complaining. He brings a lot more to this team...lots of hate when he's on the 1st, but a different story when he's on another line. He just plays where he's told....can't blame the guy.

Edler - Another player with huge improvements this year...from the hiring, I stated that WD would have a huge influence on his play. Had we traded him like a few people wanted last year or in the summer....we would've gotten raped.

Higgy - I've always liked him and he hasn't disappointed.

Hamuis - Crucial to our D. Reliable and steady like the above (Higgy).

Bieksa - He's still a reliable Dman, but his value is much higher in other aspects to this team. I love him. However, I'm a little torn with Bieksa, I love him on this team, but I can't help thinking that we could get a far higher return for him than his actual value and production on ice.

Tanev - Here's what I wrote about him before the season started, "Note to Benning: PLEASE sign Tanev to a contract NOW before he has a breakout year! He's gonna cost a lot more the longer we wait.... THIS IS ONE CONTRACT/PLAYER THAT IS WELL WORTH THE RISK!"

I still stick with this statement.

Kass - "sidelined explains his lackluster play recently... he hasn't even played a full hour of hockey so let's not discredit the kid! He was one of our better forwards last year (latter half) so I don't think we should judge him on less than an hours game of pre-season."

I think some of us need to step away from the ledge...we get so caught up with things that we ignore all factors like injuries that players/coaches don't divulge to the media. Kass was a great trade by MG and he will make the top 6 in the future....he's just honing his skills and will improve after time. Not only this, we need players like him to keep our opponents honest....he could have been a big difference maker on the Cali trip or the last game. He changes the "attitude" of this team and our opponents perception. Up there with one of my favorites.

Matthius - Started slow, but he's really shown improvement recently and solidified a spot in this lineup.

Richardson - Same as well, but I prefer to see him centering the 4th

Stanton - When healthy, he's a solid Dman with a lot of potential. I'm anxious to see what WD can get out of him. Great waiver pick up!

***There needs to be more love for WD...I give him full credit for the players improvements.

NEWBIES

Vrbata - "Benning's best move was to bring in Vrbata....I love watching the Sedins again! It's even better now that there's 3 of them!"

I loved this from the signing and I still do.

Bonino - Pre-season, I said, "He's gonna have a breakout year. He's no longer in Boudreau's system and will play a more puck possession game which is more suited for players of his skill and passing abilities."

I don't want to toot my own horn, but I'm proud to say that I was right on the money with this call. I'm thoroughly impressed with his play/shot and I really like the chemistry he's had with our vets...this line is also ranked 6th in Top ES Scoring Lines!

**I'm not sure on the +/- stats for this line in comparison to others...but I bet they would rank in the top 5.

After watching him this year...there's a lot more I like about him and I think this is one of Benning/Linden's best moves. I think the Kesler trade = A (10th pick would have bumped this to A+)

Vey - I flip flopped on this, I didn't like the trade pre-season, but than he started putting up points so I ignored his flaws. However, now I believe my original thoughts were right. Vey has skills, but he's lacking size and 2-way play.....To pick up Vey, we lost a chance at McKeown (highly skilled PMD which we need badly) and Vey will be another middle six player, which we're overloaded with. Grade C+

TBH, I think Bonino could supplant Vey on the PP and our points wouldn't decrease and we have quality players that could play on the 4th line...I think Bo deserves a spot there. I don't think Vey would be missed if we traded him...

Dorsett - I like this guy a lot! I was hesitant at first, but he's really grown on me and he improves our 4th line immensely. He gives us scoring chances and has that "tenacity" that a lot of Canucks lack... Not a bad trade.

Grade B+

Sbisa - This was a case of "love at first hit". Another player that had impressed me with style of game....sure he's had lapses, maybe more than a few, but he keeps the opposition on their toes at least. Has improved slightly. More time with WD.

Grade C

COACH WD

Let's just say that love was used a lot when I wrote my thoughts on him.... I still think he's done a great job, but there are some issues I have, minor, but still there.

- I understand the nostalgia thing with players he's coached before, but he needs to give every player, regardless of history, the same opportunities and demotions for their play. **(cough) Vey**

- Our PP hasn't produced as much recently...I'd really like him to have a look at others on the PP instead of Vey, Higgy or Bieksa. I think Bonino would excel here and I really wish one of our bloody coaches would trying putting Kass in front....he's got the hands and definitely the size.

- Not sure about the prospects..I wish he'd give Bo more ice time with better line mates, actually, I thought Jensen played pretty good too and deserved a longer look. But, I'll trust his judgement on this one and I'm all for development of our prospects...so not a big deal.

The above is minor and doesn't effect my love for our coach. One great thing about him is that he seems to know how to get the best out of his players...as our prospects rise through the ranks and make it to the NHL, WD will have increased the trade value of any players that we need to move for prospects.

Bringing in WD, considering the options at that time = A+

BENNING

I said,

"Best Move - was to bring in Vrbata" and I still believe it...however, the Kesler trade is right up there. Grade = A+

"On-The-Fence" move - was Vey/Demko.

Demko, we don't need another goalie. Period. Not now anyways.... Let's face it, were stacked in this department and I believe one or two of our prospects will be in the NHL. This was a 2nd round pick that could have landed us a top F or PMD....instead, we just loaded up on goaltenders. I don't see why we couldn't have waited a year, two or 3 years for another top goalie prospect? I'll be livid if we pick another goalie within the first 6 rounds next year....

Grade = C

Worst Move - Miller...I got the most flack for this statement after the trade, but I still stand by it. I must admit that he has played some good games and bailed us out at times, I'd go so far to say that he looks like he's improved and more steady. Unfortunately, I think he's been given every opportunity to succeed at the expense of our "backup" and his record is a reflection of it. This is tough to review now because I said, "the worst part about having Miller is that he is good enough to get us into the Playoffs, but, other than that one year, he doesn't have a good history under Playoffs pressure." He still shows glimpses of collapsing and we know what Canuck fans do when our goalies do that...especially in the Playoffs. **(cough) Lou**

Grade D

Even though he's got the "wins" now and he's had some fairly good games, I'm still not sold on him. I still think that Lack could have equaled Miller's results up 'til now and we just needed a decent backup at a reasonable rate. I still hate everything that had to do with this trade. Everything. From the NTC, the Cap hit, and in particular the trickle-down effect...

Signing Miller

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NTC, I still think Lack will outplay him this year so I'm hoping Miller's NTC doesn't effect a trade deal...

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Lack is relegated to the backup position, when he really had proven he's capable to be the #1 if he had a backup that the coach would actually use...unfavorable starts could hurt his confidence

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6 million cap forces us to trade Garrison for peanuts and had we not traded him, we could possibly fetch a #1 pick for him now. My thoughts immediately after the trade, "I thought Garrison was worth much more than what we traded him for..."

Trade return on Garrison = Grade D

And not signing Santorelli = Grade D

**I said that I hoped Benning signs Tanev now before his price skyrockets...good to hear that they've been in talks**

POWER PLAY

I said, I missed PP goals and I love that they're back...but I still believe that it needs tweaking, "I think it would improve with Bonino or Kass..."

It seems that the teams are starting to figure out our PP now....we need to mix it up a bit and toss a big body in front with skill, Kass, occasionally. Also, Bonino's proven to be defensively sound, he can dish and he's got a quick shot....add him to the 1st unit!

Grade = B

PENALTY KILL

I was a little concerned about it, but it's fine. However, there's a lot of guys on CDC who want to trade a lot of our PK guys, just a reminder, we are the Canucks and we're gonna have to deal with penalties all the time, in abundance in fact. If we got rid of Burrows, Hanson, and other mentioned...we won't win any games if our few remaining PK guys get hurt, PK players are essential for this team and without....we're doomed. Without a top rated PK and extra PK players to cover for injuries....we will never win the Cup.

Grade = A

COMETS

"....another great goalie tandem in the making. Add in the new prospects and this team is gonna be a force to deal with in the AHL...I have never been this excited with our farm team before." Again...toot toot.

The turnaround for the Comets is seriously amazing! The guys there are learning to win and to play through tough games to get there, they're building chemistry, put in positions to improve their game, good coaching and they have a tremendous city and fans to boot! 1st place overall....I couldn't be happier and half of this years picks aren't even on the team! Our prospects are really showing potential....love it!

I'm a big fan of GMMG (I've accepted him being let go and have moved on) and I think his legacy will be the Canucks owning their own farm team....I believe we are already seeing some immediate rewards with owning our own AHL team. Credit and respect when it's due...

Grade A+

PROSPECTS & DRAFT

Gaunce - "I think he's ready. I've been impressed with his game so far and he doesn't look as slow as people suggest." Currently, he's not playing in the top 6, but his line is sound and he's still producing...this guy just knows how to position himself. Not far from call-up duty.

Bo & Shink - Bo's here...and he's looked pretty good so far, but not getting enough trust or time. I'd really like to see him and Kass together on the 3rd and see how he does with more skilled players... Shink, I wrote a post regarding his progress because a lot of fans are dismayed with his productivity so far and I'm still pretty confident with his skill set and his mind set. If you care to read, here's a link,

http://forum.canucks.com/topic/347328-hunter-shinkaruk-talk/page-65 (post #1940)

Jensen - I liked his last game...but if WD thinks he's not ready, I'm not gonna disagree. However, there's much improvement so far and he should be back with a little more fire next call up....hope he gives WD more grey hairs. BTW, from what I've read, he's been playing on the 3rd line quite a bit, so I wouldn't be too worried about points... Remember, we own this team so we can put players in positions to work on all aspects of their game to help win in the NHL, as opposed to fixating on their only skills to win games in the AHL.

Virt - He's recovered and he starting to get back to form. I really like this pick...one of the youngest players in the draft, has size and will only get bigger and stronger, has the skills to score and now he's showing that he can pass as well, plays tough already and he will only improve in all parts of his game, and he's FAST!!!! We need players like him to handle the Cali teams. Pick = Grade A

McCann - Recovering from mono and he's already at a point per game pace. Once he's fully healthy and he's got his strength back, his stats should improve. Another great pick! 10 games 10 points. Pick = Grade A

Tryamkin - He's big and he can skate...hasn't stood out much and his stats aren't standing out. But, he's getting more ice time and being relied on more after each game....slight improvement.

Pick = Grade C+

Cassels - It looks like Cassels is still killing it without his previous line mates...so the non-believers who thought his production was being driven by his line mates can give it a rest. Good pedigree and tough player to play against....love this pick! I can't remember where I read it, but he had the highest votes when players were asked to name one player that they dreaded playing against Pick = Grade A+

Subban - Is following his brothers trajectory in terms of production. Not sure if he's grown...I haven't read anything so I doubt it, but he definitely has the skills, another great pick! 13 game point streak...that's all I'm saying.

Pick = Grade A+ (considering where we picked him)

McNally - After missing a season, he's started strong and now he's got 7 points in 6 games. Another great signing and potential NHL'er...

Pick = Grade B+

I said it before, but we really need to make a trade for a top pick...I like our prospects now, but we really need a PMD and a #1 C... I know were loaded with C prospects, but I'm still not sure any of them are 1C caliber.

LINES

When everyone's healthy...the only complaint I might have is with our top lines, in particular, the Sedins. Not that I think they're aging or losing any skills, it's just that they seem to be scared to shoot the puck? If our 1st line can get back their confidence...if this is the case....our lines are pretty solid.

Sedins/Vrbata - need to shoot more. Especially on the PP.

Higgy/Bonino/Burrows - has exceeded all of my expectations! They are producing at phenomenal rates and still defensively sound. Not sure how they're gonna perform when the whistles are put away during Playoffs....but, if that's my only worry than I should be pretty happy.

Matthias/Richardson/Kass - These guys are forming some serious chemistry. They are turning into a checking line that could easily handle the size of the Cali teams... However, I'd really like to see Bo Centering this line and this line might be able to put up more points and still be relied on defensively.

Hansen/Vey/Dorsett - Hansen and Dorsett make this line a serious threat and paired with the right center, they might be able to handle top line opposition on a constant basis. I'd really like Richardson to Center this line and have Bo move to the 3rd. This, of course, leaves Vey on the sidelines, but unless he can play better on the wing, I don't know where he fits in...

DEPTH

Canucks Injuries to Vrbata, Dorsett, Kass, Stanton, etc... No problem, we call up Jensen, Sanguinetti, DeFazio. Canucks don't lose a beat and keep winning....

Comets call up Valk and have Fox on the sidelines waiting....Comets keep winning.

[logic]

agree with most points, nice to see a well thought article on here for once

[nuck luck]

agree with most points, nice to see a well thought article on here for once

Thanks appreciate it!

You surprised me a little though....usually the first post is somebody saying, "I stopped reading at...." hehe

[Brewmaster12]

You know what save it for later we have almost the same goals and wins last season at this many games. I agree with most points but when we see them good at early games then go down that 5-0 hard its just those things when you remember last year and hope this is not another one. I don't really care of most, I've been telling this a lot but we need to pick some goal scoring again, we truly do, miss that PMD guy.

[5Fivehole0]

Great read, I agree with pretty much everything.

I like Miller, he's a great goalie and has stolen a few games but I was hoping for Hiller over Miller. Still happy we got an iller out of the free agency... Our record would not be this good with Lack Markstrom.

[5Fivehole0]

You know what save it for later we have almost the same goals and wins last season at this many games. I agree with most points but when we see them good at early games then go down that 5-0 hard its just those things when you remember last year and hope this is not another one. I don't really care of most, I've been telling this a lot but we need to pick some goal scoring again, we truly do, miss that PMD guy.

We actually had a worse record against worse teams last season at this point with more OTLs, that's why the points are close. We have a better record against better teams this year.

Calgary(as weird as it sounds), San Jose, Anaheim, Montreal, St Louis are notables that we beat.

We also avenged that beat down by the Avs.

Losses to good teams have been Tampa, Preds and LA.

Bad losses were Avs(avenged) Phoenix, and Dallas(whom seems to have the canucks number)

While there is still a lot of hockey left to play i feel the Canucks are playing great when they are on and are awkward when they are off... They are like a much better version of the Leafs

[bigbadcanucks]

Out of all that...who's Jenning? Another phantom player? (EDIT: Never mind...I see that you meant Jensen...I should have known...had a brain cramp there for a second).

Few other points...

Sedins are nowhere near what they were during their Art Ross seasons as far as production and finish goes. The way the PP has gone cold tells me that, even though they are wonderful on the puck possession side, they don't have the finish (mainly Daniel) that they had. They are showing that they are at best, a point per game players. And Vrbata, as much chemistry as he had with the Sedins from games 1-10, hasn't been much of a factor, production wise lately (and that was before he was injured). The Sedins game has evolved, where they are more 200' players, so as long as we have secondary scoring and Sedins are better in our zone, then we'll be fine with their point per game rate (though they still aren't very good in our end of the ice and are soft in the neutral zone when they don't have the puck).

The Sedins finally have some secondary scoring to support them, so IMO, that's where the biggest improvement has come.

Hamhuis and Bieksa have been average so far, but they should be given passes since they've been playing hurt all season. Stanton looks like he's taken a step back from last season. Sbisa is better than I expected, though he's had his fair share of brain farts this season. And Weber is a good no. 7 guy.

Tanev and Edler have played really well. But Tanev is showing that his offensive upside is limited. He's shown that he can keep the puck in play and get the puck to the net, but he's not a take-charge dynamo that some of the Canuck fans are making him out to be. I'm appreciating the stuff he does in our zone more than I have in the past.

The goaltending of Miller and Lack has been either outstanding or brutal. Thank goodness the outstanding games outnumber the brutal games 2:1. When Miller's on, there's no second chances. Both Miller and Lack are really good on the first shot, but they get into trouble when second chances are made available. IMO, Lack needs to improve his rebound control before he becomes a legit number 1 goalie in the NHL.

A few surprises:

(1) how bad the team defence is at times. Canucks have given up countless odd-man rushes, been loose in the neutral zone, and have given opposing teams too much time and space in our zone. This has gotten better, but it reared it's ugly head recently vs. San Jose, LA, Arizona and large parts of the first period vs. the Ducks.

(2) the .667 winning record...IMO, the record flatters the Canucks, but most games, they've been resilient and have shown up which is half the battle.

(3) how the Canucks don't seem to need a couple of big bruisers (one up front and one on the back end) to compete against the big-bodied teams in the Western Conference. The games have been physical, but a lot less pugnacious than I thought it would be with the likes of McGrattan, Engelland, Scott, Gazdic, Nolan, Reaves, Bordeleau, etc. in the WC.

IMO, the biggest improvement aside from secondary scoring is what Willie, JB and TL have brought to the organization. The team plays an entertaining brand of hockey (though the games vs. Arizona and Nashville showed the Canucks are willing to let the opposing teams dictate the pace of the game) and it seems like the boys want to play hard for Willie. Willie seems to be an honest, hard working and fair coach. There's been no adversity to speak of, so we'll see how Willie and the team copes when this happens.

All-in-all, to date, the Canucks have exceeded my expectations as far as their place in the standings go. I'm still expecting the Canucks to have to battle for one of the last two playoff spots, mainly because I see too many holes in our defensive play.

That's my take on the Canucks at the 18 game mark.

[nhllacksintegrity]

Why is it that the Canucks always get the brutal schedules for road games? Is the schedule made by NHL ( the same band of rocket scientists that decided to gift the high stick goal) or is it decided within the Canucks management. I don't see such tough schedules for the other teams.

[canuktravella]

you seem to like everything except miller but i hated miller signing in july but love it now he gives us a solid vet back there allowing eddie to learn his craft prepping him for starting in a yr or two i think eddie is ready to be the starter but no need to rush it as long as he plays like last game im happy hes a duck killer. if eddie takes starting gig away from miller aweome we then gave two starters and if cali teams get injured goalies we can squeeze a first rounder out of them for miller (wife lives in la) in all realities lack and markstrom will be healthy 1-2 punch in net for a few yrs hopefully lets stock up on defense prospects and we are gold (gaunce virt and shinkaruk) will be great in canuck unis

[5Fivehole0]

Why is it that the Canucks always get the brutal schedules for road games? Is the schedule made by NHL ( the same band of rocket scientists that decided to gift the high stick goal) or is it decided within the Canucks management. I don't see such tough schedules for the other teams.

Yea, Im sorry, but it's no coincidence that we face the ducks two out pf four times on the latter half of back to backs. Nor that our road trip through Cali was 4 games in 6 days.

[StarGirl]

I agree with most of your points too! It's nice to see the positive thoughts on the many players as well.

[cbdoubleu]

I really saw us as a 6-10 team in the off-season, with the expectation that we'd be closer to 10th than we would be to 6th.

Not even 20 games in, but given how well key guys have bounced back, and how the off-season moves have paid off better than I expected I'd say we're now closer to being a 6th place team or better than a 10th.

I still don't think we're a top 3 team in our division at season's end. I'd be happy to see us play 6 or 7 playoff games, with an actual win on home ice.

Obviously the dream is for us and Calgary to both hang on in the division and have another 7 game classic. It's our turn to break their hearts, in their barn, in a 7th game OT. We know what happens to the winners of those series...

[hatedkid666]

Everything you said was decent but I disagree with your miller comment. I think he definitely deserves a higher grade than D. He has played solid in net and his contract will be up once Lack or Markstrom is ready to be a full time starter. I'd give the singing by Benning a B+, and Miller's play a B

[Dogbyte]

Miller the worst move? I stopped reading.

Wow, just wow.

[nuck luck]

Great read, I agree with pretty much everything.

I like Miller, he's a great goalie and has stolen a few games but I was hoping for Hiller over Miller. Still happy we got an iller out of the free agency... Our record would not be this good with Lack Markstrom.

I was as well and I also like his contract a lot better...

you seem to like everything except miller but i hated miller signing in july but love it now he gives us a solid vet back there allowing eddie to learn his craft prepping him for starting in a yr or two i think eddie is ready to be the starter but no need to rush it as long as he plays like last game im happy hes a duck killer. if eddie takes starting gig away from miller aweome we then gave two starters and if cali teams get injured goalies we can squeeze a first rounder out of them for miller (wife lives in la) in all realities lack and markstrom will be healthy 1-2 punch in net for a few yrs hopefully lets stock up on defense prospects and we are gold (gaunce virt and shinkaruk) will be great in canuck unis

I hear you on Miller, but I'm still not convince because these occasional blowouts are worrisome... and I don't care to have a goalie that's good enough for the season, but falters in Playoffs.

I agree on D prospects, that's why I'm not sure on the Vey signing....we could have picked up McKeown, a PMD, but instead we got another middle-six C. Unless, Vey can improve on his FO's, size and 2-way game or learn to play better as a winger, I see our other prospects taking his spots....Cassels, McCann, Bo, Gaunce, etc.

Everything you said was decent but I disagree with your miller comment. I think he definitely deserves a higher grade than D. He has played solid in net and his contract will be up once Lack or Markstrom is ready to be a full time starter. I'd give the singing by Benning a B+, and Miller's play a B

Maybe your right on the grading, I'd give him a B, but my grading wasn't based on just him and his play.... it was based on the overall trade. I still think we could have had him for less considering the circumstances (first offer, NTC, last years disappointment, etc) and us having to move Garrison to make room for him.

Had we signed him for a lot less, we could have kept Garrison and than we could have used him in a trade now....probably fetch a 1st rounder considering the demand/supply at the moment.

Miller the worst move? I stopped reading.

Wow, just wow.

Well....if you read the above comment, it's not about Miller and his play. There's other factors, but you didn't bother reading so...

[nuck luck]

I really saw us as a 6-10 team in the off-season, with the expectation that we'd be closer to 10th than we would be to 6th.

Not even 20 games in, but given how well key guys have bounced back, and how the off-season moves have paid off better than I expected I'd say we're now closer to being a 6th place team or better than a 10th.

I still don't think we're a top 3 team in our division at season's end. I'd be happy to see us play 6 or 7 playoff games, with an actual win on home ice.

Obviously the dream is for us and Calgary to both hang on in the division and have another 7 game classic. It's our turn to break their hearts, in their barn, in a 7th game OT. We know what happens to the winners of those series...

TBH....I was fairly confident that we would be better because of coaching and I had faith in Bonino. However, I never thought we would be this good in the early goings, I thought it would take time to adjust to all the new faces, system and style of game play.

Definitely not a believer in us being a top 3 team in our division yet...but we're not far off. However, my major concern is the Playoffs...if we're just going to make it in, but not contend, I'd be disappointed.

If we make it, the Playoffs are gonna show if we have a legitimate 2nd line or not and if players like Vey are worth keeping around...

I want to break a lot of hearts....same scenario as you mentioned, but NY, Boston and Calgary, actually, Chicago too...

[nuck luck]

Out of all that...who's Jenning? Another phantom player? (EDIT: Never mind...I see that you meant Jensen...I should have known...had a brain cramp there for a second).

Few other points...

Sedins are nowhere near what they were during their Art Ross seasons as far as production and finish goes. The way the PP has gone cold tells me that, even though they are wonderful on the puck possession side, they don't have the finish (mainly Daniel) that they had. They are showing that they are at best, a point per game players. And Vrbata, as much chemistry as he had with the Sedins from games 1-10, hasn't been much of a factor, production wise lately (and that was before he was injured). The Sedins game has evolved, where they are more 200' players, so as long as we have secondary scoring and Sedins are better in our zone, then we'll be fine with their point per game rate (though they still aren't very good in our end of the ice and are soft in the neutral zone when they don't have the puck).

The Sedins finally have some secondary scoring to support them, so IMO, that's where the biggest improvement has come.

Hamhuis and Bieksa have been average so far, but they should be given passes since they've been playing hurt all season. Stanton looks like he's taken a step back from last season. Sbisa is better than I expected, though he's had his fair share of brain farts this season. And Weber is a good no. 7 guy.

Tanev and Edler have played really well. But Tanev is showing that his offensive upside is limited. He's shown that he can keep the puck in play and get the puck to the net, but he's not a take-charge dynamo that some of the Canuck fans are making him out to be. I'm appreciating the stuff he does in our zone more than I have in the past.

The goaltending of Miller and Lack has been either outstanding or brutal. Thank goodness the outstanding games outnumber the brutal games 2:1. When Miller's on, there's no second chances. Both Miller and Lack are really good on the first shot, but they get into trouble when second chances are made available. IMO, Lack needs to improve his rebound control before he becomes a legit number 1 goalie in the NHL.

A few surprises:

(1) how bad the team defence is at times. Canucks have given up countless odd-man rushes, been loose in the neutral zone, and have given opposing teams too much time and space in our zone. This has gotten better, but it reared it's ugly head recently vs. San Jose, LA, Arizona and large parts of the first period vs. the Ducks.

(2) the .667 winning record...IMO, the record flatters the Canucks, but most games, they've been resilient and have shown up which is half the battle.

(3) how the Canucks don't seem to need a couple of big bruisers (one up front and one on the back end) to compete against the big-bodied teams in the Western Conference. The games have been physical, but a lot less pugnacious than I thought it would be with the likes of McGrattan, Engelland, Scott, Gazdic, Nolan, Reaves, Bordeleau, etc. in the WC.

IMO, the biggest improvement aside from secondary scoring is what Willie, JB and TL have brought to the organization. The team plays an entertaining brand of hockey (though the games vs. Arizona and Nashville showed the Canucks are willing to let the opposing teams dictate the pace of the game) and it seems like the boys want to play hard for Willie. Willie seems to be an honest, hard working and fair coach. There's been no adversity to speak of, so we'll see how Willie and the team copes when this happens.

All-in-all, to date, the Canucks have exceeded my expectations as far as their place in the standings go. I'm still expecting the Canucks to have to battle for one of the last two playoff spots, mainly because I see too many holes in our defensive play.

That's my take on the Canucks at the 18 game mark.

I noticed that I wrote "Jenning" too....adjusted it

I agree with your thoughts on the Sedins, a slight drop, but I only think it's Daniel...I think Henrik has been fine and he might be higher than a point per game if he had another sniper. Daniel just rarely shoots now and he's more of a passer, which is fine, but that just means that Vrbata's gotta shoot a lot more. Yes, there's been a slight drop in their game, but it's only been a short time so I'm just hoping it's a slump.

I do agree with your comments on them though and like you said, there's not a big issue as long as we have some secondary scoring... This has always seemed to be an issue, one line is hot and the other (top 2) cools off? How nice would it be if both lines got hot at the same time!

I feel it's Bieksa that's taken a step back....and were just used to Hamuis being great, so any errors he makes will show a lot more hehe Stanton....I like him a lot! I think he'll be back to his better games. He always seems to play well and than get injured...having to play catch-up each year.

I like the Tanev/Edler pairing and it's great to see the old Edler back. Tanev....I like his game too, but I prefer he doesn't put up anymore points this year. If he starts racking them up, he might be too costly to sign

We still need a top D man to pair with Hamuis.... We get that and we're laughing. Let them eat up the minutes and Tanev/Edler & Bieksa/Stanton can chew on the leftovers. I'm so used to seeing us give up the odd-man rushes that I expect it most of the time... our D needs to be addressed on this matter.

Even though our record is flattering and a lot of the wins have been close....I like the effort they're putting in. I like that they don't give up and are competing on the ice and I like the style of game they play, so much more exciting... Last year I was just pissed-off most of the season, not because of the record, but because of the style of game and effort the team put in. This year, I'm happy so I can't complain

Your comment about the big bruisers... I also agree, but I say this tentatively. When the Playoffs start, I'm not sure how effective our teams gonna be when the whistles are set aside...

Overall, nice post!

[jdatb]

you seem to like everything except miller but i hated miller signing in july but love it now he gives us a solid vet back there allowing eddie to learn his craft prepping him for starting in a yr or two i think eddie is ready to be the starter but no need to rush it as long as he plays like last game im happy hes a duck killer. if eddie takes starting gig away from miller aweome we then gave two starters and if cali teams get injured goalies we can squeeze a first rounder out of them for miller (wife lives in la) in all realities lack and markstrom will be healthy 1-2 punch in net for a few yrs hopefully lets stock up on defense prospects and we are gold (gaunce virt and shinkaruk) will be great in canuck unis

I'm getting you an English textbook for Christmas.

[nuck luck]

Looks like Vey is sitting the next game? Big respect for WD....more concerned with improving the team than his ego.

[nuck luck]

Miller the worst move? I stopped reading.

Wow, just wow.

I stick with what I've said, he's just not impressing me. Considering that he's been sheltered, he's not helping us....ignore the wins and focus on his play. He's had 1 or 2 impressive games....otherwise, he's been gifting goals to the opponents. Had this been Lu, CDC would be up in arms! If the Canucks put up this many goals last year, Lack's record would be a lot better.

Without signing Miller at 6 mil, we could have kept Garrison and probably had a better record this year with Lack in net and Brodeur as his backup (or any other reasonable back-up).

Worst thing....D men are worth their weight in gold right now. Had we not been forced to trade Garrison (due to Miller's cap), we could have traded him now for a 1st rounder....PLENTY of teams are looking for a D man and a lot of those teams would give us a high 1st rounder. And, allow us to be in the lottery, at least, because I think we're making the Playoffs this year.