WWYDW: Goaltending Controversy
6 years ago
Frankly, I’ve always hated the “goaltending controversy” narrative in Vancouver. With the exception of a short blip during the Luongo-Schneider era, the Canucks have generally always had strongly defined roles when it comes to the goaltending position. But, like it or not, it’s undeniable that the tumultuous history of goaltending in Vancouver has weighed on the city’s collective psyche. That’s why Anders Nilsson turned heads with last night’s shutout performance. For what it’s worth, that’s something Jacob Markstrom has yet to accomplish in his career.
It’s a little early to call this a full-fledged controversy, but the way things have shaken out in the first few games of the season is enough to make one curious about the future of goaltending in Vancouver. That brings us to this week’s question. How would you like to see Markstrom and Nilsson split starts for the remainder of the season? Have you seen enough to feel comfortable with labeling either goalie as the starter for the rest of the season?
Last week I asked: Who would you take out of the lineup so Boeser can draw in?
RIP:
Boeser will be in Thursday. In my order of preference pull: Gagner, Vanek, Burmistrov. Consider though that Boeser needs to stay in the line up. If he is only playing 1 in three or 4 games then do the right thing and send him to Utica.
truthseeker:
Personally I don’t think any of the forwards have looked terrible. It’s a tough call in my opinion. Eriksson hasn’t done much but he’s pretty safe defensively and doesn’t seem to cause mistakes when he’s on. Maybe Gagner I guess.
valleycanuck:
Dorsett gets my vote. Granlund – Sutter – Boeser as a line has the potential to feast on lesser competition in sheltered minutes. That seems like an ideal way for Boeser to spend husband first full season in the NHL.
Killer Marmot:
It’s a problem because the most likely candidates to sub out — Dorsett, Burmistrov, maybe Eriksson — are needed to kill penalties.
I would put Vanek, Virtanen, and Boeser on a rotation, where one player sits out every night. Vanek is in his thirties, and this would help him get through the season. Such an rotation might not last long, as injuries will turn the Canucks’ talent surplus into a deficit soon enough.
I would also have Boeser train as a penalty killer — which he played in North Dakota — to make him easier to slot into the lineup. Perhaps that’s already being done.
I would put Vanek, Virtanen, and Boeser on a rotation, where one player sits out every night. Vanek is in his thirties, and this would help him get through the season. Such an rotation might not last long, as injuries will turn the Canucks’ talent surplus into a deficit soon enough.
I would also have Boeser train as a penalty killer — which he played in North Dakota — to make him easier to slot into the lineup. Perhaps that’s already being done.
I am Ted:
47-53-6
22-33-26
21-89-18
60-20-15
42
Give that lineup a go and roll 4 lines. If Brock and Virtanen can’t get more ice then maybe both of them should spend the first half of the season in Utica. THen Benning can make deals and open up room in December/January which will get them back.
22-33-26
21-89-18
60-20-15
42
Give that lineup a go and roll 4 lines. If Brock and Virtanen can’t get more ice then maybe both of them should spend the first half of the season in Utica. THen Benning can make deals and open up room in December/January which will get them back.
Dirty30:
The problem with taking anyone out is that they’re either a vet and that never goes over well, or a rookie whose confidence gets dinged.
Ideally, Green would switch a top six guy out and put Boeser in seamlessly. Realistically it’s likely better to pull either Jake or DD and both those create issues.
The guy they should pull is Vanek but that’s going to be contentious this early on so likely Brock won’t get into the line-up until someone gets ‘Borcked’ (likely a groin issue).
Ideally, Green would switch a top six guy out and put Boeser in seamlessly. Realistically it’s likely better to pull either Jake or DD and both those create issues.
The guy they should pull is Vanek but that’s going to be contentious this early on so likely Brock won’t get into the line-up until someone gets ‘Borcked’ (likely a groin issue).
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