Midseason Grades: Vancouver Canucks Need Offensive Tutor

With a brief road trip and a three game homestand left before the all-star break, it’s time to analyze the Canucks’ first half of the season and give out some first semester grades.

GOALTENDING

Roberto Luongo was his usual self at the beginning of this season, getting off to his notoriously slow start.

However, unlike last season, Luongo rounded into form quickly and the Canucks bounced back from a 5-7 October to go 17-7-4 to round out the calendar year of 2007. Bobby Lou has been spectacular to say the least, often making the timely saves that enabled the Canucks to score an opportune goal.

Still Roberto and Canucks fans know that he still can be just a little bit better.

Curtis Sanford filled in admirably when Luongo went down for four games with a rib injury going 1-2-1. During those four starts, Sanford played well enough to win each game except for a start against the San Jose Sharks where he let in three goals on twelve shots.

Although he is not Roberto Luongo, the Canucks still feel confident when Sanford is between the pipes, as he is one of the better backups in the NHL.

First half grade: A-

DEFENSE

Perhaps the strongest and deepest part of the organization, the Canucks defense has been outstanding this season. Especially given the number of injuries to key contributors.

With Kevin Bieksa, Sami Salo, and Mattias Ohlund all missing substantial time, other less-heralded players have gotten a chance to step up and play big minutes. Willie Mitchell has become a strong leader on the back end in Ohlund’s absence, while Salo continues to find his game after returning from a lengthy injury.

The biggest surprise however, has to be youngster Alexander Edler who leads the team with a +18 rating. At age 21 he has quietly become one of the top young defensemen in the NHL and Alain Vigneault has used him confidently in all situations.

The Canucks can finally be excited about their young talented defensemen as Luc Bourdon also seems ready to make the next step to the NHL, as he patiently waits his turn in Manitoba.

First half grade: A

FORWARDS

Unless you were born in Ornskoldsvik, Sweden you have not been producing enough.

The Sedin twins and Markus Naslund are again providing the bulk of the offense for the Canucks. However, the Canucks have to be pleased with the emergence of Ryan Kesler as a shutdown center who is also starting to find his offensive game as well.

Another forward stepping up his game is Taylor Pyatt. Since he was put on a line with call-ups Jason Jaffray and Mason Raymond, he has elevated his level of play. Both have since been sent back down but Pyatt’s strong play has continued.

First half grade: B

GM Dave Nonis will be under heavy scrutiny if he doesn’t attempt to add another top six forward at this year’s trade deadline. How nice would Mats Sundin, Marian Hossa, or Maxim Afinogenov look in a Canucks uniform?