It is impossible to mention the success at the halfway point (or at anytime for that matter) without talking about Roberto Luongo. His six shutouts lead the league thus far and he is in the top three in both wins and goals against average. Arguably the best goaltender in the game today, he will again contend for the Hart and Vezina trophies.
As difficult as it is to imagine the team contending without Luongo, a strong case can also be made for the invaluable Sedins. The team is 0-9-2 when neither Daniel nor Henrik records a point—and they are both on pace for career high seasons. Daniel is on track for 40 goals season and Henrik, already fifth in the league in the assists category, was added to the Western Conference All Star roster earlier this week.
It should also be noted that Roberto Luongo was voted to start in goal for the second straight season, but is electing to travel to Florida during the break instead to be with his wife. The couple is expecting their first child.
Ryan Kesler is quickly proving he is worth every penny of the $1.9 million the Canucks were forced to pay him thanks to an offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers sent his way in the offseason. He has become the key shutdown center the team has been searching for for years and has been fairly consistent at shutting down the opposing teams top line night in and night out. Kesler has already doubled his six goals scored last season and is on pace for over 20; he will soon surpass his career high in points.Relishing in the ice time he has received due to the absence of Bieska and Ohlund, is rookie defensemen Alex Edler. He averages more than 20 minutes a night and his +18 is second only to Nicolas Lidstrom, and first among rookies. While Edler is astounding in his defensive play, it is interesting to note that he has been somewhat of a hero as of late, scoring the game winning goals in each of the Canucks last two shootout victories.
Although the Canucks are currently tied for first in their division a few holes are still present from the team that was eliminated last season in the second round by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks.
First and foremost, they need to score more goals. Vancouver currently sits 23rd in the league in scoring, fewer then the dredges in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Tampa Bay. Second, Captain Markus Naslund needs to drastically improve his play. While he has shown signs of the greatness he had before the lockout, as a leader his inconsistency reflects on the entire team and only proves to highlight their secondary scoring woes.
comments (2) write a comment »
write a new comment
11 months ago
Well said, but you think 2 million will be enough to lock Forsberg up for the Canucks, even with all his friends and swedes. I'm sure other teams will be throwing much more at him
11 months ago
well they have about 4 to work with. they could offer him 6 and would only have to pay him 3 for the remainder of the season. it could work..
write a new comment