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.

That Game Stung Like A Puck To The Face

(Brendan Gaunce after taking a puck to the face vs Sharks)

Once more a preseason game where only the young guys contributed. Save for Ryan Miller who looked fairly sharp (2GA, one deflected off his own defenceman), the veterans disappear once again. Its preseason, but why is it every team they've faced so far has veterans contributing? When they were in Calgary, Hudler was making plays and getting points. Last night Brent Burns scores. Meanwhile we have Edler getting schooled by Wingels in front of his own net. I will say it was hilarious to see Edler attempt to play defence after Wingels had already made a play on the puck. If these guys are this lackadaisical now, I shutter to think what the season will be like.

Gaunce continues to impress. This time taking a clearing attempt from Hutton off his face and finishing the shift on the PK, which lasted about another minute. Then you have McCann making a great play by getting into the passing lane to intercept a puck right in front of Martin Jones, which was impressive enough. But then he turns around and rips one before any defender knew what happened? That was awesome. His release was absurd. At this rate Gaunce and McCann should be on the opening night roster. Trade Vey for a bag of pucks or outright release him. The guy is playing like he has nothing to prove, when he has everything to prove.

I have been through some frustrating seasons with this team, so I am not going to get too worked up. However, what really gets me is how the on-ice leadership is so nonchalant and act as if they are a perennial contender or something. Here is an interview with the Sedins from July where all they talk about is wanting to stay, and if they win it'd be ok. That's what I want to hear from my Captain, Assistant, and highest paid players on the team "I want to stay here so I can say I played for the same team my whole career. If we win a Cup, that'd be cool." Why not say it? Cash the big checks and never have to worry about delivering. Perfect scenario for them!  

The Kids Are Alright

(Brendan Gaunce, Courtesy of The Province)

I know its preseason, and I know we have a lot of young guys in the lineup, but so does everyone else. The first game against the Flames was without a lot of our top line guys, and I get that. However, the tables were turned and we still came out on the losing end (love those opening shots of downtown, they never get old). And on top of everything else, the only ones who looked like they were even trying are the young players.

Once again defensive lapses killed any chance at winning. Hamhuis made a poor attempt at a clear up the boards then skated back to the net and covered no one, which led to a Flames goal. At another point in the third period, all 5 Canucks were below the circles on defense, and in OT Jooris was free to skate right between the circles and receive a pass.

Again, preseason and I don't expect these guys to be in midseason form, but making lazy passes and leaving the opposition wide open isn't exactly something one should be forgetting in the offseason. I would hope this team that greatly underachieved last season once the playoffs started, would show a little bit more passion, even in the preseason, to make up for it. But then again this is a team with the same on-ice leadership which won a Presidents Trophy then proceeded to drop a first round series against the Kings 4-1. I won't get into my usual rant, but I am getting frustrated of the Sedins entering every game and every situation with the same demeanor and attitude. They seem to have the same mindset for a preseason game as they do for a Stanley Cup game.

One shining light for this game was the way the younger players did perform. Brendan Gaunce, Bo Horvat, Alex Friesen, Jared McCann and Ben Hutton all looked great. I include Horvat in that group even though his spot on the roster is set, he still remains a cornerstone of this rebuild. Horvat, Gaunce and Friesen all had goals, with McCann notching two assists and Hutton an impressive three helpers.

The Hutton to McCann to Horvat goal was a thing of beauty thats for sure. All three had great awareness for the most part. Gaunce's goal was a nice finish on a rebound from Vrbata. Not nice in the terms of pretty, but he wasn't afraid to crash the net, and it paid off. Alex Friesen's goal was also nice, with Jared McCann cutting toward the net and creating some confusion for Ramo. A lot of promise ahead.