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. 

Adios Frank, We Hardly Knew Ya

Another one bites the dust. I lost count a long time ago, but my guess is Frank is about the 479,506th Canucks player to leave who showed some promise (I might be exaggerating on the number). I never expected him to be the next Nick Lidstrom or Ray Bourque, but he showed some great talent for a fifth round pick. I think what stings the most is his age, 22 years old. In a league where Defenseman seem to mature later than Forwards, and a right-handed shot seems to come at a premium, losing Frank stings a bit.

However, a youth movement has been the theme of the current Front Office, and that made even a 22 year old expendable. Trevor Linden put it best when he said he was an eighth guy on the depth chart and wouldn't be getting the time with the other guys on the roster. Guys like Ben Hutton and Matt Bartkowski coming into the fold, Corrado's time was up. While Bartkowski is five years older, again Defenseman mature later, he is more NHL ready, and Hutton has done nothing but impress in his preseason games.

The one difference with Frank as compared to the other guys who've come and gone is I really am going to miss him. I feel like he was caught between two regimes, and unless he came out with a magnificent preseason his days were numbered. The good news is he's only 22, and if he continues his improvement he could be an NHL regular for a long time. The Maple Leafs might be the best place for him. They are a team rebuilding with plenty of playing time for guys looking to make a name for themselves. Hopefully he will get the chance he needs. Best of luck Frank.