Let's all take a step back and look how far the team has come along.

[ruilin96]

There have been a significant amount of negativity among the Canucks fanbase all across the internet recently. Not going to lie, the Canucks are not good lately. They have trouble winning games and lately, they seem to find ways to lose games. However, in this post, let's take a step back and see how far this team has come over the past few seasons.

 

Let's go back to the dreadful 2016-17 season. For the Canucks, that was a miserable season. The Canucks finished the year with a record of 30-43-9 by a total of 69 points. It was a terrible season for many reasons. Personally, I remember watching the Canucks got shut-out in 3 straight games; watching depth players/AHL regular players such as Megna, Chaput, Skille, Cramarossa etc. taking up regular roster spots. The team as a whole generated very little value in terms of entertainment. Bo Horvat was the only bright spot on the roster that season (although Boeser join the team very late in the season, but at that point he is still more of an unknown at the NHL level). In comparison to many other teams top-star young players, Bo wasn't quite at their level (this is to no disrespect of Bo). There were also some younger players on the bubble such Sven Baertchi, Markus Granlund and Troy Stecher etc. that were on our roster, and the fanbase really hope atleast 1 or 2 of these players will be able to take that next step and be a consistent top 6 forward or top 4 defenceman at the NHL level. That season, the Canucks finished 2nd last in the NHL. If it wasn't for a historically bad season from an extremely underachieved Colorado Avalanche, the Canucks, likely finished last overall. The narrative at the end of the season was, the Canucks need to rebuild. The Canucks need to "play the kids." Many fans wanted players such as Goldobin, Gaudette, Demko etc. to be given a roster spot as soon as next season, because we want to "play the kids."

 

The 2017-18 season was a slight improvement record wise in comparison to the 2016-17 season. The Canucks finished the season with a record of 31-40-11, improving by only 4 points (only 1 more win) in comparison to the pervious season, the overall sentiment among the fanbase is very different. That year, we saw a young rookie by the name of Brock Boeser coming into the league, took the NHL by surprise, scoring 29 goals in 62 games and finished 2nd place in the Calder Trophy voting; on top of that, it was fun watching Boeser being named to the NHL All-Stars, winning the accuracy shooting contest among the best shooters in the league and adding an All-Star MVP title to his belt. Although the Canucks finished with a very similar overall record than the previous year and only winning 1 more game, it did felt like the Canucks have won more than just that. In fact, as I was suprised to find that the Canucks only won 1 more game than they did in 2016-17 because it felt like we won atleast 5 more. Again at the end of the season, knowing that the Sedins will retire, the fanbase once again wanted to inject more youth into the line-up. More younger players in the line up the better. And I have read posts stating roster spots should be "given" to the kids as soon as next season.

 

The 2018-19 season was the first season since 1999-2000 season we will not see a pair of familiar and identical faces on our roster. Most sources projected the Canucks to be one of the teams to finish absolute last in the league. Where will the goals come from without the Sedins? What was Jim Benning doing signing players like Jay Beagle and Antoine Roussel? And last season, we witness the debut of our very own and very special player, Elias Pettersson. Pettersson stormed out of the gates with 10 goals in his first 10 career games and carried onto have a signifcant rookie campaign. Pettersson brought in something the fanbase desperately needed argubly since 2011 - that is hope. The Canucks were fighting for a wildcard spot for the majority of the season until the wheels finally fell off near the end of the year. The team was playing meaningful games and took a major step forward. We start to see the development of a new core group of players.

 

Here we are today, almost 2 months into the 2019-2020 season, the Canucks are still currently sitting in a playoff spot. They have played some games where they look absolutely amazing, dominating the opponent from start to finish and we also have seen some very terrible efforts like the ones we have seen recently. However, there is one thing we have to realize is we have got our wish. We are playing the kids in the line-up. The current top 5 scorers on the Canucks are: Pettersson (31 pts in 26 GP), Miller (26 pts in 26 GP), Boeser (24 pts in 26 GP), Hughes (21 pts in 25 GP) and Horvat (20 pts in 26 GP). Four of the top 5 scorers on the team are young players drafted and developed by the club and they are the ones leading the charge. We have finally got what we wished for line-up wise: a team consist of a core made up of Pettersson, Boeser, Horvat and Hughes with Thatcher Demko getting some quality back-up goaltender games in net. This has been the type of line-up we have all been hoping for in years. The torched has been passed, Bo is now the new captain of the team (another thing the fans wanted for a long time). This team is now at the hands of these "kids" we have always hoped to see in the line-up. And they are the best players on the team, and they are leading the charge.

 

However, we have to remember, these players are still young and with young players, it comes with excitement, and with young players, it also comes with inconsistencies. We have to understand that just because they are in the line-up now and they are putting up good numbers statistically, it doesn't mean they do not have deficiencies in their games.  We will have to understand that there will be stretches (like the one we currently have right now) where the team is not very good. And we will also have stretches when the team is very dominant (like what we had in October). Regardless, this team is now at the hands of the young players. We either sink or swim with them, and whereever this team finish in the standings, it depends on them. For this very reason, I think the Canucks have made a giant leap forward this season. The young players have shown what they are capable of when they are on their game, and they give us glimpses what it could be for years to come. We just have to be patient and show support and tolerence when the team does not perform well in stretches.

 

Our best players are still under-25, which means there are still room for them to improve. It took Mackinnon 4 full seasons in the NHL before he broke out in his 5th season and become the player he is now; it took Leon Draisaitl the same number of seasons before he is who he is today. What is very encouraging is that Pettersson seems to be well-ahead of Mackinnon was when he was at the same age and I can't wait to see what Pettersson can be in 2 years time. Brock Boeser is getting a lot of flack from the fanbase right now (yet he is still scoring at 24 pts in 26 GP rate), however, who is to say isn't a more complete player and dynamite goal scorer in 2 years? Bo Horvat is the new captain and put a lot on his shoulders and has been improving every year. Quinn Huges is an absolute suprise as if one were to tell me that Hughes gets 21 points in his first 25 games before the start of the season, I would not have believed them and here we are, his career just got started. Wonder how much he better he can be by the time he is 25? Demko had a fantastic start but had 2 rough games lately, but he had shown many signs of a future #1 goalie and he will learn from the bad games he played.

 

Our fantastic October had led to us to believe that the Canucks has "arrived." November is more of a reality check and market correction of where the team is at overall. We are not contenders, atleast, not yet. We can't expect the team to go in and dominate every game like an elite cup contender would. Hopefully, we will get there one day. The Canucks are still a work in progress, but we have came a long way since the end of the 2016-17 season. No more are we watching Michael Chaput, Jayson Megna, Jack Skille and Philip Larsen etc. Instead we get to see Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, JT Miller and Quinn Hughes on a nightly bases. We have came a long way. This team is much more entertaining to watch than the team we had 3 seasons ago, and over the course of the last 3 seasons, the team is icing a more exciting team to watch each year. I will always get behind this team and cheer them on.

 

 

The future is here, let's enjoy the ride from peaks and valleys together, Go Canucks Go! 

Edited November 28, 2019 by ruilin96

[TheNewGM]

Myers has been in the league for years and still crashes into our own players on the regular like he forgot who to body check. The power play still does the same ridiculous pass back to enter the O-zone almost every single time. Its not our young players inconsistencies that has me freaking out.

 

But good post and very true. We are much improved. But that is because we have a really stellar line up now. We have a playoff caliber lineup. I really liked Green as coach, but something has to give here. In the end these guys are professionals. I cant pin point what the problem is .... hmmm . Coaching?  I still get that vision of Myers crashing into Miller below the goal line in 3v3 OT.. and Bo also being below the goal line .. I guess you cant coach that vision ...

[Sedinyoureyesontheprize]

People get too invested in the team and get their feelings hurt over a hockey game. 
 

Your post OP showcases this almost too perfectly. 
 

[Nuxfanabroad]

After Edmunchuk, it'll be 17 outa' first 27 games on the road..that's tough, when bottom 2 lines are decimated. Folks shouldn't get down with some lame results.

 

Also gotta like how every yr we seem to have more exciting prospects to keep tabs on(in many leagues). Lots of reason for optimism.

[Duodenum]

People are losing faith again this year due to a run of really poor play over pretty much the entire month of November minus a couple games. Injuries mounted up once again as well and have exposed our poor winger depth. 

 

It's been the same storybook for years. The same rah rah posts have been made every year the past 4 years around this time when the team starts to free-fall down the standings. 

 

If the Canucks want to show how much they've changed, then do it on the ice. The way they've been manhandled recently, I'm starting to lose faith myself. 

 

Haha this is a really controversial post apparently 

 

 

Edited November 28, 2019 by Duodenum

[Me_]

1 hour ago, Duodenum said:

People are losing faith again this year due to a run of really poor play over pretty much the entire month of November minus a couple games. Injuries mounted up once again as well and have exposed our poor winger depth. 

 

It's been the same storybook for years. The same rah rah posts have been made every year the past 4 years around this time when the team starts to free-fall down the standings. 

 

If the Canucks want to show how much they've changed, then do it on the ice. The way they've been manhandled recently, I'm starting to lose faith myself. 

 

 

Beagle

Roussel

Sutter

Ferland

 

Thats why. Lots of speed and nasty out of the lineup right now (no I’m not calling Sutter nasty).

 

Edited November 28, 2019 by Me_

[Stelar]

25 minutes ago, Me_ said:

Beagle

Roussel

Sutter

Ferland

 

Thats why. Lots of speed and nasty out of the lineup right now (no I’m not calling Sutter nasty).

 

Every team has injuries. Can we stop with this silliness. We just lost to a team that is missing one of the best player in the game right now. And look at those names who are out. Just stop. 

[#Canucks]

This team in fine. I have faith in them and in JB that we are going to be great. No team has just won a cup out of the blue, they have all had ups and downs. We have a great team with some great players. Be patient.

[Duodenum]

21 minutes ago, Me_ said:

Beagle

Roussel

Sutter

Ferland

 

Thats why. Lots of speed and nasty out of the lineup right now (no I’m not calling Sutter nasty).

 

We just gonna keep using the same excuse every year? Somebody should've reminded Pittsburgh yesterday they were missing Bjugstad, Schultz, and Sidney freaking Crosby. 

 

[Stelar]

1 minute ago, Duodenum said:

We just gonna keep using the same excuse every year? Somebody should've reminded Pittsburgh yesterday they were missing Bjugstad, Schultz, and Sidney freaking Crosby. 

 

But but Sutter?  At this point the team should be more used to playing without Sutter than with Sutter 

[-DLC-]

2 hours ago, Duodenum said:

People are losing faith again this year due to a run of really poor play over pretty much the entire month of November minus a couple games. Injuries mounted up once again as well and have exposed our poor winger depth. 

 

It's been the same storybook for years. The same rah rah posts have been made every year the past 4 years around this time when the team starts to free-fall down the standings. 

 

If the Canucks want to show how much they've changed, then do it on the ice. The way they've been manhandled recently, I'm starting to lose faith myself. 

 

 

Please use facts.

 

To lump this team in to the team's history from 4 years ago is unfair and inappropriate.  Only a handful of guys were even here back then.  And, to be fair...4 years ago the team had 191 goals for.  We're nearly halfway to that number already and this year we're on pace for 266 according to what we've scored to date in relation to where the season's at.   We were 29th out of 30 teams 4 years ago!   This year?  We're 7th in a league of 31.  Fact. 

Remember when we were screaming for goals?  You may be stuck in time/4 years ago but the team is not, so give them credit. Unless, of course, it's never enough (which is the opposite of us rah rah rah'ers).

 

Not the same storybook.  There's been some fun hockey to watch despite the results...not picture perfect, but scoring, some great goaltending, a magician on d who will refine his game as he matures, etc.   I am a fan of these things, even if you think of them as "same ol".  They're not. I was at games 4 years ago where we lost 4-0 and did NOTHING at all.  I can tell you, this year's been fun despite losing some that we should have won.

 

They have a lot of work to do...so how about we stand by and support them rather than pack it in because of teams before them and by bringing up 4 years ago in an argument that doesn't really hold water or have relevance?  Using an expiry date that predates the roster?

 

They have shown, on ice, that they're changing.  They were slow and had trouble scoring.  They're fast, dynamic and scoring goals.  That does expose some weaknesses if the defensive game breaks down and, obviously, they have to refine some things.  But it's a matter of getting acclimatized, first, then tweaking.  You have to see what you have to work on before you can start work.  So, for crying out loud, don't somehow give this team a "history" that isn't theirs or relevant.  Allow them to write their own, then decide??

 

The "this team sucks" is getting old and worn out for some.  At least base the assessment on each team respectively, not on "this team" collectively like it doesn't ever change.  Damn that Dana Murzyn.

You may be stuck in the past but the team isn't and it's time to let go and give these guys a fresh slate to work from.  I'm starting it at this year in a fair shake for them to actually have time to develop and learn.  

 

 

[Bo fan]

When the season started a good % of us  thought we would be happy watching our young stars develop and learn at a NHL level - I am still among that group. I love watching Petey    and Quinn learning and growing everygame, I love the joy on display with Gauds scores - you see improvement from game to game. Demko. JV, Bo, Boes all of them learning, bonding and growing together as a team. They will get it together - they have great leaders

As fans I think we need to cool our jets and enjoy what we see happening. Sure it isn't fun to lose games - but it is how they will learn. And there isn't a team out there - even the cup winners that don't lose. It's all part of the game.

 

[Warhippy]

I've said it for the last 3 ish years.

 

This team won't be a playoff threat until 2020-2021and I have and will stand by that.

 

A bubble team this year with a lottery chance.  But next year is where we leave excuses at the door.

Edited November 28, 2019 by Warhippy

[Tortorella's Rant]

Like I said before, they weren't as good as they played in October and they're not as bad as they're playing now. They're somewhere in between. Is that a playoff team? At best it's on the fringe unless they pull more of that October hockey out of their arse.

[Duodenum]

15 minutes ago, debluvscanucks said:

Please use facts.

 

To lump this team in to the team's history from 4 years ago is unfair and inappropriate.  Only a handful of guys were even here back then.  And, to be fair...4 years ago the team had 191 goals for.  We're nearly halfway to that number already and this year we're on pace for 266 according to what we've scored to date in relation to where the season's at.   We were 29th out of 30 teams that year!!   This year?  We're 7th in a league of 31.  Fact.  Remember when we were screaming for goals?  You may be stuck in 4 years ago but the team is not, so give them credit. Unless, of course, it's never enough (which is the opposite of us rah rah rah'ers).

 

Not the same storybook.  There's been some fun hockey to watch despite the results...not picture perfect, but scoring, some great goaltending, a magician on d who will refine his game as he matures, etc.   I am a fan of these things, even if you think of them as "same ol".  They're not.

 

They have a lot of work to do...so how about we stand by and support them rather than pack it in because of teams before them and by bringing up 4 years ago in an argument that doesn't really hold water or have relevance?

 

They have shown, on ice, that they're changing.  They were slow and had trouble scoring.  They're fast, dynamic and scoring goals.  That does expose some weaknesses if the defensive game breaks down and, obviously, they have to refine some things.  But it's a matter of getting acclimatized, first, then tweaking.  You have to see what you have to work on before you can start work.  So, for crying out loud, don't somehow give this team a "history" that isn't theirs or relevant.  Allow them to write their own, then decide??

 

The "this team sucks" is getting old and worn out for some.  At least base the assessment on each team respectively, not on "this team" collectively like it doesn't ever change.  Damn that Dana Murzyn.

You may be stuck in the past but the team isn't and it's time to let go and give these guys a fresh slate to work from.  I'm starting it at this year in a fair shake for them to actually have time to develop and learn.

 

 

70% of the players are the same as last year so when I see the same guys standing around not moving their feet just like year's past, yea I can make that comparison very easily. As I've already said, I'm starting to lose faith because a lot of the same problems are still around. I haven't stated that the team sucks and they are definitely better than last year due to the advancement of our young guys and Miller so maybe save the lecture for somebody who needs it Deb. Canucks are 5-6-3 in November which is an improvement actually. Unfortunately, a lot of the same problems are also present and haven't been improved on at all. Systems and lazy play being two big ones. 

 

 

[Duodenum]

11 minutes ago, Warhippy said:

I've said it for the last 3 ish years.

 

This team won't be a playoff threat until 2020-2021and I have and will stand by that.

 

A bubble team this year with a lottery chance.  But next year is where we leave excuses at the door.

Maybe, I don't think the Canucks have the cap space to improve the team any further so we'd basically be relying on our young players to be the difference. 

[Stelar]

I won’t use injury as an excuse but I do think playing so many road games to start he year has been an issue. Hopefully the team can make up some ground in Dec with a home rich schedule. 

[DrJockitch]

We look like a team with a young core.  

Look at the rebuilds in Colorado, Edmonton, Buffalo and NJ.  It is not short or easy to rebuild.

We are just starting to seeing the first wave of youth integrated into the lineup.  They have a long way to go.

The veteran leadership has also not been great in part because they have spent so much time out of the lineup or have been Louie cruising on his retirement contract.

The young guys look fantastic.  Unfortunately Olli's injuries have put him way back and may keep him from being a regular NHLer.

Next wave of young guys aren't even going to be arriving for a couple of years. 

There is a lot to be excited about but I think people have underestimated the length of the process especially given we didn't start with a sell-off and stock up on youth strategy.

Most of the pieces are there and we can see how it should coalesce but they need more time and physical/mental maturity.  

[Goal:thecup]

This year, when we have injuries, we call up players who would have been on the team as regulars last year.

This alone is an improvement of great importance.

 

We are going to have more injuries for sure, but we are also going to get some key players back soon.

I don't really like the look of the team right now because last year's regulars are back in the lineup.

 

Once Goldie and Baer and Louie are sent back down and Ferk and Beegs, Rouss and Sutts are back, we will win more games.

Next year, the prospects will push from the bottom with new, better, and underpaid talent and we will be a "contendah".

 

I think we will make the playoffs and might even win the first round, especially if Tryamkin returns in time.

Next year we will be seriously good.

[RonMexico]

20 minutes ago, Duodenum said:

70% of the players are the same as last year so when I see the same guys standing around not moving their feet just like year's past, yea I can make that comparison very easily. As I've already said, I'm starting to lose faith because a lot of the same problems are still around. I haven't stated that the team sucks and they are definitely better than last year due to the advancement of our young guys and Miller so maybe save the lecture for somebody who needs it Deb. Canucks are 5-6-3 in November which is an improvement actually. Unfortunately, a lot of the same problems are also present and haven't been improved on at all. Systems and lazy play being two big ones. 

 

 

 

Athletes are not lazy. The expectation that ever single shift they give 1000% or they are a lazy POS is so far off base.