Thoughts Percolating on the Current Status of the Vancouver Canucks

Well, thank you very much Andrew Raycroft. After writing a glowing report of his play yesterday, he goes out and allows four goals on 22 shots against the Anaheim Ducks.

All the attributes that I commented on turned sideways, as he had trouble in all the areas.

Sure the Canucks played poorly in all departments, but the soft goals deflate an already depleted lineup. Enough said about that, as you were all witnesses.

Cory Schneider did not fare any better, allowing three goals in 20 minutes of play. Just what has happened to this once-promising goaltender? His NHL stats are downright troubling.

Last season he finished with a GAA of 3.38, a Sv% of .877 in eight games played. This year in the 20 minutes, well if you allow three goals in 20 minutes it’s not going to help the average (GAA 9.00; Sv% .750)

Is Cory going to be another of these AHL players who shine in that league but cannot make the transition to the NHL? He is now in his third season and is under contract for another season before he becomes an RFA.

At what point does Canuck management decide if he’s going to be a player? They will either have to trade him or let him walk once his contract is up.

The Nucks are back to that unlucky number seven figure in the injury department. With that, Coach Vigneault has resorted to playing the excess of defensemen, to replace the injured forwards, of which there were six at the time of this writing.

Doesn’t make for an offensive juggernaut when you have players like Mathieu Schneider (-3 last night) and Aaron Rome (even) patrolling the wings. Rome has actually done a commendable defensive job playing up front.

One D man that I think would make a better winger is Kevin Bieska. On defense (-3 last night), he seems to have trouble with his reads, puts himself out of position trying to make the big hits and turns over the puck way to often in all the zones.

I think he has the tools to be a tough third line player and with his feistiness, make life miserable for the opposing defense, while being able to contribute on the offensive. Coach Vigneault are you listening?

I mean he’s definitely tougher than a Steve Bernier, better skater, would relish the idea of being the hit-ter instead of the hit-tee, and looks to have better hands.

This is not to suggest getting rid of Bernier, but this team could use some girt and bad attitude on the third line. Heck, it could use it on lines one through three.

With the Western Conference-leading Colorado Avalanche coming to town (pinch me, I must be having a 2003 flashback) on Sunday, the Nucks better be ready or you’re going to see another seven goals posted for the visitors.

Picked by many to finish at the bottom, the Avs have posted a 10-2-2 record and have always given the Canucks problems both home and away.

This game will have to be a tight, shut down, and trap like if you will, type of game, if the Nucks are to be successful.

Otherwise, the Avs offense will simply overwhelm them.