Vancouver Canucks played well, just not well enough for wins.
Article content
It was a tough week for the Vancouver Canucks on the second half of a six-game home stand. This week saw them lose two in a row for the first time this season. I’m sure they’re glad to be packing for the road where they have won six of seven games this season.
Advertisement 2
Article content
It’s hard to avoid the topic that no one and everyone wants to talk about: Canucks star J.T. Miller takes indefinite leave from team for personal reasons. What we know is: J.T. had a two-point night against Chicago, then was benched in the third period against Nashville. Why he’s now missing is right there in the headline … for personal reasons, and because of that, we’re going to stick to this week’s wins and losses.
NHL power rankings
Eight per cent — that’s what The Athletic’s projections are on the Canucks’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup. But they’re a 93 per cent lock to make the playoffs. “The projections are based on 50,000 simulations of the remainder of the season which factors in each team’s projected strength, current health and strength of schedule.”
Canucks Report
Article content
Advertisement 3
Article content
And after the loss to the New York Rangers the Canucks don’t even crack the Sports Illustrated top 10. The Rangers are ranked seventh but the Canucks don’t even get a mention.
ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski revisited and graded their pre-season prediction about Elias Pettersson bouncing back but even he’s not sure if he got it right. “His 13 points in 18 games still isn’t up to the level of that 102-point season that we hoped he’d approach from a production standpoint. But he’s just started heating up, and at the right time for the short-handed Canucks.”
In the TSN power rankings, the Canucks are dropping “down one spot from 14th to 15th. Quinn Hughes continues to impress, leading all players in the NHL in puck possession. Elias Pettersson is showing signs of being the offensive force he once was, scoring in four of his past five games.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
ESPN took a look at the NHL Future Power Rankings: Prospect, cap, roster predictions, and it doesn’t look that great, the Canucks being ranked 17th with a mark of average. “Jonathan Lekkerimäki had a terrific season in the SHL (grabbing Rookie of the Year honours) and both Aatu Räty and Arshdeep Bains are ready to reach the NHL ranks in full-time spots … Prospect pipeline: Tom Willander and Lekkerimaki are the prized prospects of the pool, with Lekkerimaki representing the best shot for a true impact player in the top six.”
The Daily Faceoff: How concerned should Canucks be during recent rough stretch?
From Frank Seravalli: My level of concern is probably a three out of 10. They have been a good road team, who I saw, for a six-game stretch, really looked like they had figured it out and turned the corner, and yet continue to kind of fall back into this hesitant and almost tentative state of waiting for the game to start for the other team to punch you in the mouth before finally waking up.
Advertisement 5
Article content
Elliotte Friedman: Canucks not panicking
Friedman: “A lot of problems could be solved if a lot of guys started playing better. Question is how long do they wait. Jim Rutherford is a guy who likes to get the jump on the deadline. He likes to move quickly. He’s definitely looking around … but I don’t think they are panicking.”
The Hockey News: Canucks push on with dad strength
From Carol Schram: Quoting Canucks coach Rick Tocchet on Conor Garland after the game. ” ‘Was up at three in the morning. Was up again at seven. No sleep, and our best player. What can you say? You love the kid.’ Running on adrenalin, Garland led all Vancouver forwards with 20:58 of ice time in the Canucks’ 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers.”
The Hockey Writers: Three take-aways from Rangers’ 4-3 win over Canucks
Advertisement 6
Article content
From Sam Henes: “By heavily out-chancing their opponent and limiting opportunities against, the Rangers demonstrated a strong two-way game. Their depth was on full display with even-strength goals from Will Cuylle, Kaapo Kakko, Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider.”
The Hockey News: Canucks suffer yet another home loss as they fall 5-3 to Predators
From Adam Kierszenblat: The most glaring issue on Sunday was the penalty kill. The Predators went two-for-two with the man advantage thanks to two Steven Stamkos goals.
Chicago Sun Times: Connor Bedard falls deeper into slump in Blackhawks’ loss to Canucks
From Ben Pope: “In his Vancouver homecoming Saturday, Bedard’s goal drought extended to nine consecutive games. His most memorable play was a whiff at the red line that led to a Canucks’ empty-net goal, sealing the ‘Hawks’ eventual 4-1 loss.”
Recommended from Editorial
-
Canucks 4, Blackhawks 1: You need more in a game like this, but a win is a win
-
Jonathan Lekkerimaki likely after Canucks spring surprising Daniel Sprong trade
Article content