Does Virtanen look more confident and faster to you?does to me.Looks much improved. And still throwing a few big hits. Thoughts on his game?
— Canucks/Jays (@CanucksJays) September 18, 2017
We need to be careful to avoid getting carried away when discussing Jake Virtanen’s hot start to the Canucks’ pre-season. There have been good moments, sure. I thought his goal on Saturday, while a touch flukey, was a good display of awareness. His board battles, defensive reads and speed are noticeably better. I’ve really like Virtanen’s work on the forecheck, too.
I still see a lot of the same problems in Virtanen’s game that I think are going to limit his offensive upside, though. The majority, if not all, of Virtanen’s shots are from the perimeter. He’s not making himself an option to his linemates on the attack.
What I’ve seen from Virtanen is encouraging. He looks like he’s back on track to being an NHL player. How good of an NHL player? Well, right now I’m seeing someone who could be a capable third-liner at some point.
In my world Boeser is a lock for the team after these 2 pre season games. Do you agree and/ or who have you liked so far?
— Josh The Zamboni Guy (@Josh_ofthe_Mace) September 18, 2017
I honestly have no idea how the Canucks could keep Brock Boeser off the opening night roster at this point. It’s entirely possible he’s their best goal scorer as early as this season, if he’s there. I like that Boeser’s improved his skating, if only slightly, over the summer. I spoke to him about that after Sunday’s game.
A healthy Brock Boeser is making his case to stick with Canucks https://t.co/f92k1DD1Ku pic.twitter.com/c6AU6a2qi7
— Sporting News NHL (@sn_nhl) September 18, 2017
Do you like the VGK white gloves? What were your thoughts on the Vegas young guys?
— Josh The Zamboni Guy (@Josh_ofthe_Mace) September 18, 2017
Do I like the Vegas Golden Knights white gloves? I love them. I own a pair of snakeskin Eagle mitts myself, so I’m all for gimmicky hockey equipment.
The Golden Knights young guys looked pretty solid. Tyler Wong had himself a hell of a night. Cody Glass, taken sixth-overall, right after the Canucks selected Elias Pettersson, had some great reads in the offensive zone. They have some damn good prospects.
Would Linden ever get fired or would he just get "forced to resign" to make it look like he stepped down cuz he a public figure in vancouver
— John Puck (@johnpuck1992) September 18, 2017
If it ever comes to that point, I’d imagine there would be a mutual agreement between the two sides to go their separate ways.
Do you think Goldobin has potential to be a top line 60 point guy? Thoughts on his play in the preseason so far.
— Taranvir Atwal (@Taranvir_Atwal) September 18, 2017
I think Nikolay Goldobin becoming a top line producer in the 60 point range is possible; I don’t think it’s terribly likely, though. Goldobin is probably going to settle into the 35-45 point range over the course of his career, and I’ll leave open the possibility that he can break through a glass ceiling. His creativity with the puck really is something to behold.
As for Goldobin’s pre-season, I liked his work Saturday far better than on Sunday.
What do you make of the refs handing out powerplays like candy? Do you think it will continue into the regular season?
— Trevor Crawley (@tcrawls) September 18, 2017
The players will probably adjust to the new officiating by about December. That combined with the likelihood that the refs will lighten up on things by the midway mark of the season will probably mean the new standard won’t hold up over time. I certainly hope that’s the case. This hockey is downright unwatchable right now as it’s currently called.
So far what good or bad things have you seen from Rodin?
— Finlay Sherratt (@FinlaySherratt) September 18, 2017
Anton Rodin was one of the few bright spots for me yesterday. I liked the three or so turnovers he forced in the second period. Rodin should’ve had a goal, too, but a way-too-early whistle took that away from him. The next time he had a prime chance to score, he made an ill-advised pass that went the other way. I bet Rodin takes the shot if that early whistle doesn’t steal a goal from him. Let’s hope his confidence is back the next time he makes a couple of good plays to take the puck away in space.
So far what good or bad things have you seen from Holm?
— Finlay Sherratt (@FinlaySherratt) September 18, 2017
I haven’t been a fan of Philip Holm’s game. A couple of big giveaways in the defensive zone have led to goals. Perhaps it’s a byproduct of adjusting to the North American game, but there isn’t anywhere near enough urgency in his game. The puck is like a grenade on his stick. Holm isn’t a write-off, but he’s got a long way to go before he’s playing in the NHL.
So is Boeser the best player in the history of hockey? Or just the best player in the history of the NHL?
— Casey Maier (@wrecker44) September 18, 2017
Boeser is better than Wayne Gretzky, yes.
With Demers finally being dealt do you suppose Tallon will still attempt to reacquire Gudbranson between now and deadline?
— Vikingstad (@HockeyRockBeer) September 18, 2017
It wouldn’t surprise me.
Is Oli Juolevi looking like a bust now?
— Tyson (@Tyson53_) September 18, 2017
No.
With Juolevi seemingly regressing, is pressure now on nucks to draft/develop more young D then before?
— Ryan Little (@rLittle67) September 18, 2017
The Canucks have many needs throughout their lineup. They’re not a team that can really prioritize based on position at the draft. That said, there’s going to be a tonne of great, offensive, puck-moving defenceman early in this year’s class, so it just might happen organically.
Would you waive Dorsett?
— Ogie (@Trolley_Tracks) September 18, 2017
If Derek Dorsett isn’t one of the Canucks best 12 or 13 forwards, which is possible if not likely, then yeah, I’d put him on waivers for the purpose of reassignment.
Why do you think Olli Juolevi is playing so differently from the defenseman that excelled in the OHL playoffs earlier this year?
— Scott Rosenhek (@Scottr_31) September 18, 2017
I don’t have a damn clue. At first, I thought it was all the weight Olli Juolevi put on in the offseason that was causing him troubles. He couldn’t move laterally in Penticton, and frankly, he can’t in Vancouver either. There have been a couple brutal mental errors too though so I’m less sure than ever of what’s wrong with his game. All I can say is that something isn’t quite right.
Does Cole Cassels still have a future in the NHL? 4rth line center?
— Abu Am'mar (@taizzzz5) September 18, 2017
No.
I asked this to Sat, but i'm curious to know your take. Keller/Jost /Tkachuk, & Brannstrom/Foote/Valimaki/Vaakanainen/Liljegren, or OJ/EP?
— Sascha Belagamage (@Silent__C) September 18, 2017
Assuming I’m reading this correctly, I’d prefer Clayton Keller and Timothy Liljegren of the available options.
Post your ideal Canucks line up this year. Ignoring contracts / vets who management will lock in
— Young King Fillip (@thekingfil) September 18, 2017
Honestly, I’ve answered this question like four or five times this year. I’m really sorry, but I’m just not feeling it anymore. I’d recommend going through any of the Monday Mailbags I’ve done this summer. There’s like a one-in-three chance you’ll find an answer to this one no matter which Mailbag article you stumble on.
Should Canucks trade Goldy and tryamkin rights?
— mike higashi (@hirokidude) September 18, 2017
No, on both fronts.
Why wouldn't Subban ever be considered at forward? Plays to his strengths and away from his weaknesses.
— Michael Courage (@Kuridge) September 18, 2017
Because he’s a defenceman who’s played defence his entire life. There’s almost no reason to think he’d be good at forward other than “he scores points”.
What the flying F is Florida doing with their team? This is an actual question for the mailbag.
— Sascha Belagamage (@Silent__C) September 18, 2017
Florida Panthers general manager Dale Tallon is taking his team back. He’s trying out a bold new strategy, getting rid of almost all their good players. Let’s see how this works out.
What are your thoughts on Suzuki/Brannstrom's play in the Vegas vs. Vancouver game? Curious, as I was very high on both.
— Sascha Belagamage (@Silent__C) September 18, 2017
Well, Erik Brannstrom didn’t play. So I thought he looked better than most of the Canucks blue line. Nick Suzuki was quietly effective. He had a couple good plays in the offensive zone.
Dahlin or Svechnikov?
— Ian Matheson (@_ianmatheson) September 18, 2017
Rasmus Dahlin.
From your limited viewing, do you think virt shaped up over the summer? If so do you think the adversity of last year will help long term?
— Cole Treleaven (@Coletr11) September 18, 2017
Virtanen is definitely in better shape. I think there are lessons that Virtanen should be able to take from last season. Hopefully, in a few months, it will be obvious that he’s cleared those hurdles and he’s better off for it.
Which one was uglier, the Utica Canucks defence or the fake Elvis singing?
— pigdom (@ygsvah) September 18, 2017
Yes.
Who wins the cup first – oilers or leafs
— Jesse Nguyen (@jessevnguyen) September 18, 2017
The Toronto Maple Leafs.
@JDylanBurke If you could choose the Sedins' linemate for opening night, would it be?
— VanCity Sportsnut (@realmrsaxobeat) September 18, 2017
Markus Granlund
The Leafs are a much better-constructed team than the Oilers, but I can see McDavid, Draisitl, and Talbot willing the Oilers to a cup on their own.
Neither team has the D for it yet.
Hmm. I am not so sure I agree with that Toronto is ‘better-constructed’. They were and are constructed differently, but I give Edmonton the edge in defense and goal to be honest. They also have a superior 1-2 C punch (as you noted), but fall short in winger quality. Interesting arguments.
I agree that Virtanen is skating well and his compete level is high. I still wonder about his hockey sense though. He often looks confused in his own end and on more than one occasion completely left his position to join three teammates in the corner. Hopefully the coaches can correct this tendency in Jake.
I like the new officiating on slashing. Hated it when I played an hate it watching NHL. players better adjust quickly
Just way too many wrist injuries players who can’t check became lazy and slashed instead this was something that just increased overtime.
If Canucks are going to slash (take a lazy penalty) they will be slaughtered every night. The penalties they took on Sunday killed any opportunity to being able to stick to a game plan.
Bump the other player or use your stick wisely not to slash but to check. Refs were lazy before and mainly looked at whether or not the stick broke. I agree need to keep calling and should not be tolerated.
I agree. It is worth noting that it was reported the canucks had yet to have the rules interpretation meeting with league officials… It looked like LA and Vegas did not either.
That said, there were allot of new slashes that were not called in the toronto Ottawa game yesterday that were called (on both teams) in the two Canucks games. Consistency would be nice..
Although they do not want to penalized the leafs when they were down by 3… Or 4 .. Or 5
Hate to tell you that it will be business as usual by January. Since when as the NHL ever consistently officiated throughout the regular season and playoffs?
I agree with what you say about Holm, I think Pedan, McEneny, Chatfield, even Biega outplay him, and we have a better high risk/high reward defenseman in Subban already. I don’t understand the brisebois hype either. I also agree with what you said about Rodin. He doesn’t stand out like Boeser, but last night whenever a decent play was happening he seemed to show up. My hunch is if his knee holds up and he gets some of his game back the canucks will be leaning on him this year for his 2 way abilities.
So you are not a fan of Holm, but yet he has the advanced stats that you do back flip over (or at least you use to promote or slag players that fit your eye or do not).
He had some give aways, but to suggest the puck is a grenade on his stick is a bit rich. A minor amount of time to adjust is expect, and I am okay with a few games in the AHL for this to occur. The reality is he is highly mobile defenseman that also knows how to hit, can make a first pass and shot the puck from the point. To compare him to Pedan is laughable.
I would also put him ahead of McEnemy at this point (and I like McEnemy).
Tallon has his name on Stanley’s cup,doesn’t he?
That guy that constructed Chicago’s dynasty……
Maybe the numbers guys are feeling sunburnt down in Florida.
Yah, that comment from JD on Tallon is a little rich.
Good job on using the metric version of the word “tonne” rather than the standard “ton”. I really thought it added some colour.
what percent chance does Boeser have of becoming the next Mike Bossy? That would be sweeter than wine.
Minus the early career-ending injuries
After the LA game, some commentators (ex players) were talking about how good Boeser was, but also what he needed to develop on to be even better. Boeser has looked great and may be the Canucks best scorer this year. I would, however, send him to Utica if that is the best place for him to reach his long term potential. The NHL is not a development league. I think Boeser will stay and he has shown he is better than many other NHL players, but while he is a good story for this year and will make watching more entertaining, the Canucks should be looking at the long term with Boeser. Put him where ever his long term development will be occur. He will stay because of the PR nightmare that would occur if they sent him down, and I hope that is for the best. My concern is that it might not be the best place, especially considering where the Canucks will finish.
If BB continues to score at this pace during the 9 game trial period it’s going to be a tough decision.
Brock has skating issues but that won’t be remedied in Utica.
The Canucks haven’t had a sniper like Brock and they could use the help.
There is no 9 game trial period. That rule only applies to players coming out of Major Junior.
You are correct.My bad.
He’s waiver eligible so if he isn’t producing or keeping the pace he can be sent down after a trial period,anyways.