About Last Night: November 2, 2015 vs Philadelphia

(Virtanen after his first NHL goal)

This was about as complete a game as you can get. I know the Flyers aren't exactly the best team in the league, but this is what the Canucks should be doing consistently with teams in the Flyers position. Dominate possession and chances, and generally dictate play. Jake Virtanen could have scored about six times (at least it felt that way) and Bo Horvat continues to look incredible.

Jannik Hansen's goal was such a nice move, which can be frustrating. Again, I know its the Flyers, but every now and then he shows some really smart play, and I just wish he could be more consistent. A great feed from Horvat, who waited for the defenceman to make the first move, then made a great pass to Hansen, who chose to hold it rather than just throw it at the net. It looked smooth and was created from a turnover, can't argue with that.

The tying goal didn't even make me mad, I was too impressed. Claude Giroux put on a clinic with that goal. Even though he was smaller than the defender, which is almost always the case, he got position, used his strength and made an incredible move. His quickness still amazes me, but I guess it shouldn't since he consistently puts up great numbers on below average teams.

I thought Alex Burrows played the pest role great. Did the little things to unnerve the opposition but nothing major to hurt the team. Chris Tanev made a great move pinching in and taking advantage of a defensive lapse in the third, and Ben Hutton continued to look good. Virtanen finally got that first NHL goal after a lot of chances, on a great rush with Burrows, Nice back hand, and subsequent celebration.   

Hansen almost notched another goal, as did Virtanen. Matt Bartkowski got the empty-netter for his second of the year, after Radim Vrbata decided to hold the puck and look for a more sure thing, which was Bartkowski sneaking into the offensive zone. Ryan Miller played well, with a few helpers from the post, but also some great saves, which capped off a great night: Virtanen's first NHL goal, Henrik Sedin secured his 1,000th NHL point and Burrows played in his 700th NHL game. However, I saved the best for last.

Horvat continues to show flashes of a superstar. His goal go-ahead, wrap-around goal in the second showcased his strength, and also came after he won the face off. His setup for the Hansen goal was a great example of patience and waiting for the other guy to blink. Now I'm not going to demand we trade the Sedins, well not for this reason, but he has shown some real brilliance. He has two goals and two assists in 12 games, so not setting the world on fire, but he is 20 years old, and is showing great promise. I think its safe to say he is my new Canucks man-crush. 

About Last Night: October 16, 2015 vs St Louis

 

*This is a new feature I am hoping to keep up-to-date where I review the game from the night before. I will play it by ear for the few day games that pop up.


I have to admit, that was a frustrating game, but I guess every loss is in it's own way. I think what made it the most frustrating was the Canucks are a better team than St. Louis. Nothing against them, but the Canucks looked flat-footed on defence and slow to the puck (which Willie acknowledged in postgame), especially in their zone. Passing looked real lazy, specifically coming from the defence. Edler made a very poor choice on a stretch pass that led to the Blues second goal, and Hamhuis had another in the third, luckily only turning into a chance, not a goal.

They had some chances, with five PPs and not converting one. It kind of gives me flashbacks, and not the good kind (acid). Their ability to get the puck out of the defensive zone was also frustrating. At times it seemed like St. Louis had a PP, with multiple Canucks chasing the puck. Then there was the matter of the lines.

Derek Dorsett saw time on the second line, which is curious to me. I like Dorsett, and am a big fan of his. I Tweeted at the time of the trade it was a great pickup and I also liked his contract extension (this was before the Prust trade, but Dorsett's fault btw). However, him on the second line is a stretch. When he and Bo had an odd man rush early in the second period Bo shot, and I can't say I blame him.  We can play coulda/woulda/shoulda all day, but would he have shot if he had Vrbata or even McCann over there? I know, I know, I'm nitpicking.

A look on the bright side though, they did hold St. Louis to 0 for 4 on PPs, which is good to see, and Brandon Sutter's short-handed goal was awesome, and albeit very early in his Canucks tenure I have been impressed so far. Ben Hutton had over 20 minutes of TOI and just over three on the PP, while McCann notched another goal. Long story short, despite a loss the kids (relative term) still look alright.

I don't think this game is an indicator of anything, other than maybe they didn't take their opponent as seriously as they could have? I am obviously guessing why they came out so flat and lost this game, but again got some flashbacks to a few years ago where it would take this team a period and a half to wake up. Not sure if thats on ice leadership or what the deal is, but its getting a little old. All they talked about postgame was how good St. Louis is, well guess what Canucks? You're pretty freaking good yourselves!