Canucks Army Postgame: Road Trippin’ Out

If you asked a rational Canucks fan prior to the season, what would they have said would be a reasonable return in the standings? four points, maybe five? Nobody would have said seven. But alas, the most unpredictable team in sports surprised us again and took 3/4 and seven of a possible eight points from their rivals from Calgary, Anaheim and Los Angeles.

Backed by a full team effort, on the second half of a back to back, Ryan Miller and the team skated relatively easily to a shutout. Despite a push by the Kings in the 3rd, Miller only faced 15 shots, and only a few scoring chances.

Perhaps the biggest surprise thus far is the offensive scoring of Adam Cracknell, which obviously doesn’t expect to continue but it’s a nice thing to have in the early going while the key players like Vrbata, the Sedins and Burrows are still starting to get going.

An Alex Edler bomb gave the Canucks a solid two goal cushion going into the 3rd, which was a glimpse at what the Canucks still feel can be a top tier defenceman in the NHL. He patrolled the line with ease and Jonathan Quick didn’t even see the puck scream past him.

Jake Virtanen made his debut in the game as well, and he was given the traditional rookie hazing by being put on the ice first in warmups, and Willie Desjardins game him a second dose of it by jokingly benching him for a majority of the 3rd period. That had to have been a joke, right? The Canucks battled penalties throughout the game, but even in the closing shift with Dorsett on the ice, it was Hansen that fed him the puck. Nonetheless, Virtanen impressed with three hits, a shot on goal and a smile that melted the hearts of fans around the world.

Lastly, with the spotlight on him to start the year after all the transpired in the off-season, Ryan Miller has risen to the occasion, and his defence has backed him up as well. The Canucks have limited their mistakes thus far, or at least the costly ones and if this continues at this pace the early going for the Canucks could be a kind one.