On today’s episode of Canucks Conversation, David Quadrelli and Harman Dayal discussed Brock Boeser continuing his hot start after the Canucks forward scored 3 goals last night against the Lightning, tying him with Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews for the league lead with 21. Vancouver made a statement with a 4-1 victory over Tampa Bay, reminding all that they can keep up with the heavyweights.
Harm gave his thoughts on Boeser and his production:
“What stands out to me is the variety of ways he’s scoring. Any team that’s pre-scouting can’t just look at one or two types of plays that Boeser is especially feasting on for ways to stop the Canucks. He has a knack for always being open on the doorstep for those rebounds. It speaks to his hockey IQ, timing, anticipation, how he reads plays, and an increased willingness to get to the front of the net. Not to mention he’s created so many chances from the bumper on the powerplay, which over the last month, he easily could have had more goals.”
“There’s a big difference between rookie and even last season Brock Boeser compared to this year,” said Quads. “Right now, we’re seeing a guy putting it all together in all areas of the ice and adding new elements to his game as a goal scorer.”
“He’s evolved and matured,” Harm added. “Little details like how effective he is screening in front of the net. Rookie Brock never did that. Rookie Brock was so exciting, electric, and fun because he was sniping bar down from distance every time, but as we saw in his sophomore year that’s not a sustainable way to score on a night-in, night-out basis. Once teams get the playbook on you, they’re able to adjust and take space away. It’s really impressive he’s found a way to top his rookie goal-scoring pace considering how much more difficulty he’s having finding time and space.”
The guys then answered some fan questions and moved onto their segment with Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravilli, which was pre-recorded and played at the end of the episode. Among other topics, Frank had this to say when asked about Canucks President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford; the job he’s done so far, and what the future holds.
“It’s been pretty good; there’s been a lot for them to work through,” Frank responded. “I don’t want to say turmoil, but stuff to pick through to get to where they are now. On the ice, removing problematic contracts; off the ice, hiring the right people, putting the right process in place, and reducing a lot of noise that existed around the team. The situation that unfolded with Bruce Boudreau, who was hired by the owner, was a clear misstep and it took them a while to mop up.”
Frank alluded to how Rutherford and GM Patrik Allvin have worked together: “The truth is, a big part of the aggression [The Canucks] have shown has come from Jim specifically. He’s been pushing the team to continue to evolve and get better, and as President of Hockey Operations, he may not get some of that credit.
Frank then added his thoughts on a potential extension for Rutherford, as his contract with Vancouver expires at the end of this season: “Having the chance to get to know Jim over the years, I don’t think it’s something that’s occupying much headspace. He’s accomplished so much with the Stanley Cups and pile of money he’s made; I don’t think he’s sweating over his security. One thing that has stood out is Vancouver has been a really good fit for his family, which has re-energized him a bit behind the scenes, so to speak.”
You can watch the full replay of today’s show below:
Be sure to check out the live show Monday-Friday at 2 PM next week!
The show can be found on the CanucksArmy YouTube channel and the CanucksArmy Twitter account here. Clips of the show are also posted daily to the CanucksArmy YouTube channel, which you can find by clicking here.
The show is also available in podcast format around 2 PM every day wherever you get your podcasts! Be sure to subscribe to the CanucksArmy YouTube channel, and join in on the fun with the live chat!
