Let’s start with a lukewarm observation before we get into the outlandish stuff: the NHL preseason is way too long.
The Canucks
finish with a winning record of 3-2-1 in the preseason, but the real victory for Rick Tocchet’s team has been escaping it without any (additional) serious injuries and starting the season understaffed. A lot of other NHL teams have
not avoided this fate, and it’s going to affect their ability to start their campaigns on the right foot.
But that scenario is well in play for the Canucks, who looked comfortable and able to go pound for pound against the Edmonton Oilers team that knocked them out of the playoffs in May. And that’s with J.T. Miller not playing at 100%, a relatively quiet night for Elias Pettersson, and Conor Garland ending up as a late scratch after
tweaking something at morning skate.
The preseason might only create moral victories, but carrying that positive momentum into Tuesday’s season opener against the Calgary Flames will almost certainly be the difference between a weak start and a strong one. Make this all count for something.
For the final time this preseason, let’s jump to conclusions.
Arshdeep Bains is a generational talent
Arshdeep Bains making the Canucks out of training camp would
never have been a big surprise. But Bains having such a statement preseason has been an extremely fun development.
Arshdeep Bains looked every bit of a permanent NHL player in this game. Quinn Hughes’ opening goal started directly because of Bains’ forechecking and his smart thinking to send the puck back to Hughes at the blue line, rather than throw a panic shot at the net.
Then on the power play in the second period, Bains’ relentless battling along the boards maintained possession for the Canucks until he was fed a great cross ice pass by Danton Heinen to increase the Canucks’ lead.
As far as the final roster cuts go, Bains’ work tonight might’ve earned himself an immunity idol and a spot in the opening night lineup.
Jennings Trophy for Sil-ankinen
The idea of Canucks fans being comfortable running an Arturs Silovs-Kevin Lankinen tandem for an extended period of time isn’t entirely out of left field. But it’s not a routine pop up fly either. (Okay this analogy doesn’t make sense, but you get what I’m saying.)
After such a strong showing from Lankinen in Tuesday’s contest, Silovs had his work cut for him on Friday. And boy, did he live up to the expectations with a 28 save performance.
Silovs’ ability to read and adapt to the play is improving with every start, including his ability to follow the puck through traffic like on this save against Viktor Arvidsson.
If he’s able to fix the long shot coverage that gave him headaches against the Oilers in the playoffs, we could have the makings of a very complete goalie sooner than later. But as long as Thatcher Demko is out for, a lot of hopes will be riding on him and Lankinen to hold down the fort. And they’re more than capable of doing so.
Some champions of the preseason
A couple of third liners in today’s game really stood out, especially in the sudden absence of Conor Garland from The Rät Pack. Instead we got a substitute in Kiefer Sherwood, while Nils Höglander kept the chemistry train rolling.
Höglander got a lot of praise from Rick Tocchet during training camp in Penticton, and he’s shown why it was warranted all throughout the preseason. I really think he’ll end up as a go-to guy for Tocchet in tough situations before this season is all said and done. Not many players thrive off a serious challenge like Nils can.
He’s also been putting in some work on his playmaking in the offseason from the looks of things.
Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood is already your favourite player on the Canucks. You just might not know it yet.
With hits like this one on Connor Brown, he’s already preparing a shelf for that Unsung Hero Award.
Turning it over to the people
With this being the last Jumping to Conclusions until next preseason, I felt it was time to ask the fans what they’re thinking about their team after the Canucks’ wrapped up their exhibition schedule.
Show me what hot takes you’ve got.
Someone was bound to say it. It wasn’t going to be me for fear of being a jinx, but if any of you end up being right you’ll have this reciept to remind everybody about it in June.
This is a big bet and I like where Darryl’s head is at, but this still feels a little safe to me. Can we get something even crazier?
We’re getting warmer. The Canucks are likely going to be a goalie by committee team this season, so Silovs managing to break through the pack and win the net all to himself would be one of the more improbable outcomes possible.
YESSSSSS. Now THAT’S what I’m talking about. Riot Survivor is out here playing 4D chess while we’re all playing checkers.
If that slap shot in the first period was any indication he’s going to challenge some franchise goals records for sure.
This one wins. Does it have anything to do with the play on the ice? No. Is it still a genius answer? Absolutely.
Maybe the team will be taking notes on how Utah is getting people to buy more food this season.
So many people get the Robson Street main route correct, but not enough people think to end the parade inside BC Place. That way you don’t have people fainting from saving their spot in a crowded park for hours in the sun without a washroom or snack break. Charge $10 per ticket for charity and give everyone a drink coupon at the door. Wins all around.
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