On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal were joined by prospect scout Dave Hall to break down the Abbotsford Canucks’ playoff run and highlight some of the standout prospects.
Hall started with the Game 5 win that sent Abbotsford to the Western Conference Final.
“It was a real solid bounce back after a pretty bad game four,” he said. “It started out pretty typical – the Canucks had brutal starts every game in this series and that was no different in game five. But out of nowhere, within one minute at the end of the period, they got two quick goals, and from that moment on, it was their best performance they’ve had the entire playoffs. Whether it was goals, saves, blocks, forecheck – it was a real solid whole-team effort.”
Hall had plenty of praise for Arturs Silovs, who backstopped Abbotsford with consistency and calm.
“We all know by now that tracking pucks hasn’t been his strong suit, but the Canucks have done a really good job at making sure that’s just not an issue by not letting a lot of pucks through. They’re blocking everything,” said Hall. “As bad as his far shots have been, his ability to go post to post and make these incredible game-changing saves has been very substantial. He looks calm and poised in there… his best stretch by far that I’ve seen.”
On where Silovs should play next season, Hall was measured.
“I still think he has to be up for MVP of the playoffs, he’s just been unreal. But I’d like to see him do it again next year. If they do trade Thatcher Demko, it’s a different story. But if the current situation is what we’re looking at, I’m okay with him at least starting in the AHL.”
Hall also gave Linus Karlsson the nod as someone who’s earned a serious look in Vancouver.
“When he’s at his best, he’s probably the team’s heartbeat really. He’s the guy who’s making the plays happen; getting dirty, in front of the net mucking it up, in on the forecheck. No, he’s not flashy or the greatest skater… but he does everything you want him to do.”
The crowded goaltending situation was another point of interest, especially with Nikita Tolopilo.
“I’ve been very vocal about how much I like Nikita Tolopilo. But now we have Ty Young, who came out of nowhere. The fact he came into the pro leagues and played as great as he did, he has to be in the mix next year. You also have the man of mystery, Jiri Patera, who’s still signed for another year. That’s four goalies in the mix, all worth at least a look.”
On the forward side, Hall highlighted Jonathan Lekkerimäki and Ty Mueller.
“Lekkerimäki did play a lot better in this series, he certainly came alive… probably the team’s best forward in the meaty part of the round.”
And Mueller?
“He’s not a guy who will score a ton of points, but he’s who is playing all situations for them and very under the radar doing all the things you love to see from a centre. Killing penalties, taking big faceoffs, and chipping in with points as well.”
Abbotsford is heading to the Western Conference Final, and as Hall put it, “Colorado is one hell of a team… so for Abbotsford to come out and win a five-nothing clinching victory is quite something.”
You can watch the full segment below:
Sponsored by bet365