What impressed you the most?

[IBatch]

The most? Demko.  Unf!ckingbelievable.  He was in their heads so badly they couldn’t even score when he was down on the ice making snow mans.   Dozens of premier scoring chances each game saved, hit posts of shot wide of the net.  Saved the best for last for sure.  Stones face in the handshake line says it all - mad respect for Demko - cap problems alleviated if we go there. 
 

 

Other then that the core impressed next.   Everyone one of them didn’t disappoint and quite a few overachieved for their first playoffs.   For those b!tching about BB, go back and watch some tape of the Sedins first crack at it.   He was way better, back-checking every shift - often the last player on his shift hanging back because he was the one closest to the puck.  Made great plays that weren’t finished and will have nightmares for a month of Lehners’ probably series saving save.   Whenever we’ve gone up in the games that’s when the cracks started to appear in their positioning and that’s when our leaders became opportunistic.   
 

Impressed of course we made it to the 7 minute mark of game 7 against Vegas I the third period.   Of course it was disheartening but with a couple days perspective it’s mostly gone.    Not like the stink other Canuck epic collapses left - we were down 3–1 and came back.    
 

Myers, glad he finally showed his true colours.  Was exactly what I thought we were getting after watching him turn it up with WNP in the post season too.   Glad we have this guy. 
 

Will be interesting to see what JB decides to do with this group.  It’s obvious we can’t survive playing two heavy teams in a row without stellar goaltending which we shouldn’t expect year to year.   Demko probably just played his best three games.  

[mikeyman109]

Demko was unbelievable in the games he played. Thats the future right there

Horvat was a beast in the face off circle. Starting with the puck makes such a huge difference.Those two goals against the blues?? Captain Canuck.

Petey is sure not afraid to go where he needs to against any D core. Great to see him have some playoff success also.

Motte somehow lock him up long term. Great performance by the young man.

Marky, played great through the season and playoffs. He may have played himself off the team as he deserves a big raise but we cant afford one.

Stecher was great against the Wild and Knights.

Hughes had a great series against the Wild and  Blues who had no answer for his skating, against the Knights he ran into some bigger players that could catch him.

Miller was great against the Wild and Blues but like most of the team had issues with the bigger faster Knights. I think he may have been playing hurt also.

Fantenberg actually played well also.

[189lb enforcers?]

Tanev’s Health and Motte’s effectiveness. 

 

Beyond that, the team’s ability to stay focused in games which they were utterly dominated in. 
 

Other than the records set by our goalies, nothing actually impressed me, meaning that I fully expected the players to play to their capacity. The roster was built for the playoffs and each part did what it was selected for. 

[Googlie]

A couple of things stood out for me ...

 

We won 10 of our 17 post season games!!!  With goal splurges, too (one 6 goals, three 5 goals, four 4 goals) but .....We were shutout in 4 of the 7 games we lost 

 

Petey is a young man used to the big stage - he won the MVP in the Swedish playoffs his last season there, so he has high expectations, and met them this last month. 

[Guest]

1. Resiliency 

2. Goaltending 

3. Hughes 

 

 

I was surprised by this team's resilience.  I know that most of the fans only recall the last month in the bubble, but I'm talking about the regular season that seems like it was eons ago.  We came back from deficits a lot this season and this team built a belief that they were never out of a game.   

 

I was extremely happy with our goaltending.  Marky proved that he's a legit top 5 goalie in the league.  Demko's heroics shifted the conversation away from Marky, but for me it's a no brainer to resign our MVP of the season and go with both goalies.  This just means that we cannot give expansion protection to Marky, and that's all I'll say on that topic although I could write another few paragraphs.  

 

Hughes was just so god damn good! I was hoping for a guy that could play 12 mins/game and be a power play specialist, but what we got was out of this world! 

 

I was happy to see Motte get rewarded with a few goals and for the TV audiences to have his work more focused on.  He's been doing this since his first game for the Canucks last season, so I wasn't really surprised this year.  Unfortunately the NHL broadcasting has gone away from replaying any big hits in the games but he would've been a fan favourite even last season if this wasn't the case.  

 

Tanev and Edler had resurgent seasons in terms of health and performance.  Resigning Tanev is a no brainer and I feel very confident about them going into next year.  

 

Fanta and Myers should be spoken of separately but I've liked both of their games.  They're the two only guys that bring physicality on our back end with some consistency.  Benn was surprisingly soft, but I won't veer of into negativity as requested by OP.  

[Dixon Ward]

8 hours ago, DeltaSwede said:

I would go long-term on Motte ala Poille in Nashville. What more can you ask for from a bottom 6 player? Probably played with the most determination on the entire team. Relentless on the fore-check, back-check, blocking shots, scoring timely goals etc. To have that role and still be one of, if not the most impressive player this post-season, I don't know. I'm in awe. 

 

We had Petey score 18 points, Hughes breaking rookie records, Demko.. and still.. Tyler freaking Motte. 

 

 

I think Motte should be given a chance in the top 6.  He showed great speed, smarts, and a scoring touch beyond what I thought he had.  He would be the Burrows guy in the top 6? Maybe

[shazzam]

Demko pushed it to 7. The team tried but was gassed. The series if not for some insane goaltending should have ended way earlier.

[Sbriggs]

14 hours ago, Bertorama said:

A Canucks Debrief 

 

I need to get out some thoughts from my brain to get some closure on what was a crazy playoff schedule. Way too many games in few too many days but I guess each team had the same challenge.... 
 

All I’m here to ask is what impressed you as a Canucks fan the most this year? reg season or playoffs?  
 

I’ll start with this 

 

Goaltending 

 

1. Markstrom was a very impressive number one goaltender until he couldn’t play and Demko may have shown him up..how is that possible ? I don’t know where I want to sit...on the fence but I lean today that Markstrom was a workhorse for his reliability. but it’s hard not to recognize a young goalie in Demko that could be a possible better option just not enough sample size for me and Markstrom was so dependable when he was not getting overworked. 

 

Talent 

Our young core (Petey Hughes Boeser  Horvat ) is game ready and battle tested. I never felt our young talent was over matched talent wise. If we can develop  a better  bottom 6 next season this team may do something no other Canucks team has done. (Anyway we can get Tuch)? lol 

 

Integrity

 

The respect this team earned across Canada for their humility and hard work attitude with no arrogance has to be recognized, the management team has done an excellent job putting together a group of players that think like minded and don’t look for the spot light. 
 

Miller needs to stay a Canuck! So impressed by his stamina and drive and I hope he’s not too injured and can get back to how he played this year. This might be the best pickup the Canucks have ever pulled off in a trade other than Naslund. 

 

Fans

I honestly have had one of the best seasons as a long term Canuck fan. Watching this team develop has been fun and exciting and I’ve heard that from a lot of my friends family and forum posters this year. Not since the 94 Canucks have I felt we had a Team that made me so proud to say I’m a Canucks fan. 
 

your turn, your thoughts 

 

what’s impressed you the most? Let’s keep it positive here, if you have a negative rant to get rid of do so elsewhere. 
 

 

Petey, Hughes and Demko, they were impressive. Add some size wand more of our prospects and we'll be ready for another run next year

[bishopshodan]

My attitude.

I was a positive, optimistic, fearless supporter from the get go. 

I credit this great Canucks squad for producing such loyal fan soldiers that will show up with energy each and every GDT  to cheer the lads on through thick and thin. 

[-DLC-]

OK, warning...tldr but this is me letting it all out.

Every single damn thing impressed me if I'm being honest.  I am so incredibly proud of this team and know that if there was something left in the tank for game 7, we'd be resetting for this series.  They were done/depleted.  Vegas IS a heavy team and the permission to use that takes a toll over time.  

 

Anyhow...I woke up feeling depressed ("no more hockey") and a little teary/emotional.  I'm a ride or die with this team so it stings...so close to the next step that we can taste it.  But I love that they DID leave it all out there on the ice...sadly, it was a game 6 when they had to play yet another back to back in a game 7.  Nothing there.

 

As a team:

 

Camaraderie   The way they took the commitment to the bubble seriously and really used the time to unite as a group.  No chirping on instagram or feeling trapped...from all accounts, they really enjoyed being together.   That speaks volumes about how close they are, despite age differences that could be awkward.  There's a lot of respect in that room and it shows.

 

The way they rally around each other through difficult times and how their shared experiences make them stronger together.  The Stech goal and salute to his Dad...how the guys received him back on the bench after that.

 

Resilience.  Never say die or quit.  Quittings for losers and to come back from 3-1 deficits shows something about their mental game.  Down doesn't have to mean out.  They believed they could come back at times, and did.  Even if some here had thrown in the towel...I hope they learn not to do that.  It ain't over till it's over.

 

Class, integrity, character.   How they took the lead with the BLM thing despite it meaning they had to approach the enemy and show humility.  So proud of the stand they took and that it was their initiative to reach out.

 

On ice class, integrity, character.  It stood out that they showed a great deal of toughness...took some brutal calls, whacks, etc. but never whined or dove (unlike their opponents at times).  When Reaves went low, they went high.  He stood out like a sore thumb in a bad way.  Even Rooster kept it in check in relation to how he reacted without mocking...if he did any, it was quiet and subtle.   He's got a short fuse, but he didn't act like a fool like Reaves did.  I love his passion for the game...I can't criticize him for it.  There were no shenanigans and the guys just put their head down and went to work.  When things did get rough, there was no sign of panic and they stood tall.

 

The team may have been knocked down at times, but they came right back and showed a level of toughness that is needed in the playoffs.  They didn't look for calls.  

 

No I in Team.  That they absolutely played AS a team and no one was "special" in relation to not buying in at both ends of the ice.  Petey's absolutely incredible....the way he puts his head down and skates hard as hell to back check?   He took a lot of punishment out there but never shows any fear or backing away.  It's a little scary at times for us as fans...net front presence is...Petey??   Taking the abuse that goes with that?  He's a superstar but he is so humble that he is just a guy on the team who wants to win and will do anything to help with that.  That's a champion's mindset.

 

Also:  The leg wrap around the net to slingshot himself around it.

 

JT's attitude/heart is the best.  You HAVE to have guys with that fire to spark the team...especially in rough spots.   He's a true veteran leader and voice in the room.

 

Bo...puts the team on his back when it counts and just does what's asked of him.  Doesn't need to be out in the forefront to showcase his "C"....does it humbly and through hard work.  Just does what he needs to.  Faceoff beast...he's learned to master that end of things and give our team  an advantage from the drop of the puck.

 

I think our team is special because no one's worried about standing out or being in the spotlight...they just want to win.  No egos in the room.

 

Edler ... as he winds things down, it becomes more and more apparent to me that he is an absolute beast back there.  Again...quiet, subtle but a giant.  His body's got to absorb some of what he dishes...but he's a warrior.

 

Motte and Stech ... work horses.  100% drive and determination every shift.   These two both never quit.  Motte can kick it into an extra gear that we've seen on the PK...his reactionary time to exploit situations with quick outbursts is incredible.  He better be sticking around.

 

Quinn ... amazing.  He was fearless even though double teamed and mauled out there.  He showed maturity beyond his years.  He got a little quiet and I was worried about him, but no...was just a little battered but not broken.  His swagger isn't boisterous, but confidence that comes with knowing he can (and will) find a way.  I'm sure he's gained the most experience through this run and will use it to work some more magic tricks into his act.  Look out.  This kid's unstoppable.

 

Fanta & Myers were nice surprises for me.  Added a physical element that we needed.

 

Brock has potential to rip a shot that wins games...and almost did get one at the opportune moment that might have changed this outcome.  Damn...a few inches higher.  He and Petey have something special that's not to be denied.  When  you "look for" a guy out there to pass to, it means you trust him and have confidence he'll finish it off.  You have chemistry and know what the other might do/where he might be on the ice.  He's struggled a bit at times...but his comments about recognizing that the goals weren't going in but he could still find other ways to contribute tells the story of how he did.

 

Tanev ... his calm, cool self.  Always helps settle things down, even when the rink's burning down all around him.  Steady.  People are saying his age is showing and he's slowing down...and it's true.  Edler too.  But his game is still pretty rock solid in my view.  

 

Our goaltenders...mind blowing.   They are both incredible and give us chances in games that we just don't deserve to be in.  And the way Marky cheers Demko on like he's his big brother...I swear he gets more excited than anyone when TD stands on his head.  They truly do work together and don't appear to have any animosity in relation to competition for the job.  They are true pros.  We wouldn't be in this race without them.  Period.  Brilliance.

 

Gaudette wasn't a factor much, but brings energy that does get in the face of the opponents at times when he's on the forecheck.  He also always is a threat to score a big goal and will round out more as  he gains this experience.  His work ethic and attitude are what stands out for me.  Even when he's not making a difference on the scoresheet, he's a guy who is "active" out there.

 

Sutter.  We go hot and cold on him but this playoffs probably had me realize how we do rely on him in important situations and how he was brilliant at times.  Especially when forcing turnovers and being hungry on the puck.  I'm convinced he may have been injured toward the end as that fell off a bit.  

 

Pearson started out pretty impressive for me then waned a bit toward the end but I wonder if he and Beagle were a bit beat up in the Vegas series.  Beagle also taking face offs like a champ.

 

Toffoli...we all saw the impact he had upon his return.  Struggled a bit after that to get any real momentum but is also a heart and soul guy.

 

Jake.  If ever there was a guy who could come through then pretty much disappear, he's that guy.  Still not sure if he's fully engaged or not and wish he'd use his size and speed more.  Seems a little lost still at times.  But when he scores, all is forgiven.   I like feisty Jake best and he showed some of that in the end.

 

Loui can be helpful in a steady way, but just doesn't have an edge, at all, when it comes to intensity level.  He's one of those guys who, if you don't notice him, he's probably doing things right.

 

Zack.  Wish we'd used him a bit more?  He lays hits and has pretty good wheels (after impact) ... brings grit that we sometimes lack.  Love his game.

 

Coach Green:  Love him.  He lets the team be the guide in what happens...is he perfect?   No, far from it...we all are.  But he gets this group and they are the identity on the team...their stamp is there.  He just guides them using that as his tool chest.  He did make adjustments when needed but, more importantly...he never gave up on them or got down on them.  He did what good coaches do..he instilled a sense of confidence and belief in them.  And they ran with it.

 

Ollie....didn't get to see enough of him to really comment, except that he didn't look out of place (at all) to me and that's a good sign.

 

Bottom line is every single person on the team made a difference in their own way/time in my mind.  Weren't always perfect but there's no drama or stuff that takes the focus off winning.  Just showed such professionalism and impressed the hell out of me.  Not sure if I've forgotten anyone (probably have).  In which case, I'll be back.

Who thought we'd go as far as we did?  With the match ups we had?

 

This team's going places.

 

 

 

 

[FijianCanuck]

Top 5 surprises this year 

1- goaltending 

2- powerplay

3- jt Miller

4- coach Green 

5- team toughness 

[-DLC-]

I can't forget Ferland in all of this.

 

He helped set a tone despite it likely costing him big time.  Maybe his career?  But that speaks to what kind of player he is...all heart and a guy willing to sacrifice himself for the team.  Maybe not the wisest decision (I cringed)...but it's how he plays.  We were at the receiving end of that once and to have him on the good side felt...good.  Damn, we needed him...would have taken some of the heat off that the other guys absorbed.

 

Hope he's ok.

 

(And I forgot that Schaller played...so likely no comment off the top of my head)

[Timråfan]

Petey, Hughes and Demko is the ones impressed me most.

The rest was a great team effort. 

Now I hope for nex season to top this. 

[nux4lyfe]

Simply, Just exceeding expectations and bouncing the cup champs.

[-DLC-]

 

[MattJVD]

JT Miller leading the team in scoring was a big surprise. I was on the fence about it, worried we might end up with another Booth. But he plays like Marian Hossa out there. Quinn Hughes exceeded all expectations I had for him. And yes, the goaltending in the playoffs. Specificly the difference in Demko's play between March and August.

[YEGCanuck]

Ditto all of the above. One aspect about this team that impressed me was the character the boys showed throughout the playoffs. I know this doesn't easily translate to on-ice performance but it makes total sense for Jimbo to consider character when evaluating potential draft picks.

 

The bottom six was also mentioned and I agree this is where most of the improvement can show immediate results. Assuming for the moment the first and second lines of most teams are of similar quality, with the odd exception, the makeup of the third and fourth lines can be the difference between a finals team and the also rans. 

[JeremyCuddles]

Miller and Hughes. And it's not even close. Marky I knew was gonna be good. Demko was a surprise in his few playoff starts. But in the regular season he was pretty par for the course. Was good here and there. Kinda fell off when Marky was injured and he got too many starts but looked good for a rookie. Motter had one heck of a playoffs too though. 

[sassbs]

Short and sweet.   Motte/beagle impressed me the most with their solid defensive play in the playoffs 

[wildcam]

18 hours ago, Heretic said:

I liked the games being played without so many days rest - I have found the past 10 years - almost boring.  

This was the way it should always be played.  Not a week between rounds, 2 days off, etc...

 

As far as play - impressed with the Canucks play - didn't expect them to make it out of the qualifying.

 

Disappointed that another game 7 and they failed to score a goal.

 

Impressed with Demko.  He better NOT go to Seattle.  

 

 

Canucks management team have a big decision to make!!

Trade Markstroms rights to team like Buffalo or Carolina? Sign him for 5.5 X 4 yrs? He will be 31in January.. If we sign him Demko will be traded..

 

We can't lose Demko in expansion draft... Demko should get us a late 1st rounder and prospect..

I would keep Demko 24 let him take on #1 . I would then  sign veteran backup for under 2.5 million to play 30 games..

Trade Markstroms right to Carrolina or Buffalo, should get us 3rd rounder..... Or sign Markstrom with trade clause in contract?

Will be one of the most exciting off seasons with all teams making moves with tight cap for 2-3 years..

 

I can see Virtanen being moved, Stetcher traded, ...

Goalie situation will be resolved if they sign Mrkstrom? 

Demko would have to be moved before expansion, Can't posse him to expansion... Demko will want to be paid in 3.5 million X  3 yrs next summer