Canucks Quarter Review "Forwards"

With two games upcoming this weekend the Canucks will turn the ¼ mark of the season. They are currently leading the Northwest division over Colorado and sitting in 3^rd in the Western Conference with 23 points in 18 games (10-5-3). My biggest observation of the team is the way the new players have bonded and are starting to gel with the core of the team. 

This entry will come in three parts. "Forwards, Defense, Rookies and Goalies"

Starting with the Forwards.

1^st Line: Daniel and Henrik are the Daniel and Henrik we have watched grow and evolve into superstars of the NHL.  Not only are they playing at the same level they did last year, they are now getting the attention of the media as top of the league players.  Sitting in 5^th and 6^th in points respectively and showing consistent play game in and game out they will be in a fight with the likes of Stamkos, Crosby and Ovechkin for top spot all season long. The third line mate to the twins whether it be Samuelsson or Burrows needs to continue bringing a smart game to the ice each game and this line will always be successful. Expect to see Burrows continue to get stronger on the puck and seem less rushed in the next few weeks. He is coming off shoulder surgery and has look fairly good so far, but there is room for improvement.

2^nd Line: This line will need to play a key role for the Canucks for the rest of the year and into the playoffs, however watching the games this line could have a hint of weakness. This line starts with Kesler. Speed, strength, grit and scoring ability, possibly the best 2^nd line center in the game. On LW you have Raymond who has great speed and a good shot.  These two seem to feed off each other and create a lot of opportunities. Samuelsson is usually the RW on this line, he’s played good at times and at others he seems to be nonexistent.  This line has a lot more scoring chances than goals. Although Samuelsson shoots a lot I wouldn’t call him a finisher. At times it feels as though this line needs a calming influence, someone with a ton of hockey sense who knows where to be and how to finish. Could that spot be Hodgson? We’ll have to wait and see.

3^rd Line: This is where the Canucks made the biggest changes this season. Signing both Malholtra (2.5M/3yrs) and Torres (1M/1yr) they looked to beef up their 3^rd line. The 3^rd winger right now on this line is Hansen. Some thought Malholtra was overpaid as a UFA to come to Vancouver however with what he brings to the team it looks like MG got him at the right price. According to reports he was their #1 target on the UFA market and he has brought everything expected and more to the team.  Leading the league in FO% is incredibly important to the Canucks success. Torres has been known as a streaky scorer and he has shown that again this year. I do not see this as a bad thing however. As long as he can stay consistently gritty and hard to play against his goal scoring in streaks will be a nice added bonus. Hansen has been a great presence to the line in creating chances. He’s quick, all over the ice and he’ll throw his body into anyone. This line is a combined plus 10 and is on the ice for almost every defensive zone faceoff. That is a great stat considering you start in your own end a lot.

4^th Line: Although there have been attempts to fix this line in the offseason the only consistent performer who has earned a roll on the team and can play in the playoffs is Tanner Glass. He’s gritty, will fight and usually makes smart plays. He’s rarely a difference maker good or bad and can kill penalties. Solid work Glass. With Bolduc out Bliznak has been called up. He’s done average so far, he’s been on the PK a little bit however his FO% as a “natural centre” is not great at 33.3% over his 4 games. Right now he’s the best option.  On the other side is Rypien, he’s played 9 games and is a -5. I think his time with the Canucks is winding down.  This line needs to spend more time dumping the puck into the opponents end and crashing their defenders with hard clean hits. It seems like MG envisions a line that will spark the team with a hit or a fight, avoid being trapped in their own zone and pot the odd goal. Eat a few minutes and get the team going. This isn't happening right now, I am expecting change.

Overall the forwards are doing a fairly good job, averaging 3.06g/g, clearly lead by the Twins. When on home ice and AV can get the Twins matched up with who he chooses the team is lights out (6-0-1). The next big key is to be able to win on the road and not worry about being matched up.

What I look for in the future:

I look for MG to revamp the 4^th line. It seems like he wants to develop from within. Bliznak is showing a bit of potential but might need more time. Look for Oreskovich and Perrault to get a shot this year along with the potential of trading for a veteran guy. I think it’s important to have a 4^th line centre you can rely upon and I will be looking for that come playoff time. As for the 2^nd line I could see changes being made to the RW, as I mentioned earlier, if Hodgson continues to play well in the AHL I see him getting a shot later in the year. MG has said that the Moose players will get their taste of the NHL at some point and best case scenario is Hodgson plays his way onto the team and then stays on the team by playing as expected. As far as the 1^st or 3^rd lines go the most important thing is consistency. Scoring from the twins and hard work with solid defensive zone coverage by the 3^rd line. 

Stay tuned for part two "Defense"