<p>Let&#8217;s start with a lukewarm observation before we get into the outlandish stuff: the NHL preseason is way too long.</p>
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Canucks <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/instant-reaction-canucks-close-preseason-4-1-oilers">finish with a winning record of 3-2-1 in the preseason</a>, but the real victory for Rick Tocchet&#8217;s team has been escaping it without any (additional) serious injuries and starting the season understaffed. A lot of other NHL teams have <em>not</em> avoided this fate, and it&#8217;s going to affect their ability to start their campaigns on the right foot.</p>
<p>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&#8217;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 <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-tocchet-garland-tweaked-something-friday-played">tweaking something at morning skate</a>.</p>
<p>The preseason might only create moral victories, but carrying that positive momentum into Tuesday&#8217;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.</p>
<p>For the final time this preseason, let&#8217;s jump to conclusions.</p>
<h2>Arshdeep Bains is a generational talent</h2>
<p>Arshdeep Bains making the Canucks out of training camp would <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/who-stays-forward-canucks-cut">never have been a big surprise</a>. But Bains having such a statement preseason has been an extremely fun development.</p>
<p>Arshdeep Bains looked every bit of a permanent NHL player in this game. Quinn Hughes&#8217; opening goal started directly because of Bains&#8217; 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.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚨Canucks Goal🚨</p>
<p>Quinn Hughes gets the Canucks on the board! Great work by Arshdeep Bains on this shift. </p>
<p>🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/9SuWHGPxOc">pic.twitter.com/9SuWHGPxOc</a></p>
<p>&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842391198608044284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Then on the power play in the second period, Bains&#8217; 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&#8217; lead.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Monster shift by Arshdeep Bains on the second power play unit. He won the puck back with a pure effort play on the boards, then is in the right spot to finish off a Danton Heinen pass. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Canucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Canucks</a> <a href="https://t.co/RUTS2n2zLP">pic.twitter.com/RUTS2n2zLP</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Daniel Wagner (@passittobulis) <a href="https://twitter.com/passittobulis/status/1842403123463323864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>As far as the final roster cuts go, Bains&#8217; work tonight might&#8217;ve earned himself an immunity idol <em>and </em>a spot in the opening night lineup.</p>
<h2>Jennings Trophy for Sil-ankinen</h2>
<p>The idea of Canucks fans being comfortable running an Arturs Silovs-Kevin Lankinen tandem for an extended period of time isn&#8217;t <em>entirely</em> out of left field. But it&#8217;s not a routine pop up fly either. (Okay this analogy doesn&#8217;t make sense, but you get what I&#8217;m saying.)</p>
<p>After such a strong showing from Lankinen in Tuesday&#8217;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.</p>
<p>Silovs&#8217; 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.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Arturs Silovs makes one of his best saves of the night! </p>
<p>🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/1pWVZBbZCg">pic.twitter.com/1pWVZBbZCg</a></p>
<p>&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842416675037040693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>If he&#8217;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&#8217;re more than capable of doing so.</p>
<h2>Some champions of the preseason</h2>
<p>A couple of third liners in today&#8217;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.</p>
<p>Höglander got a lot of praise from Rick Tocchet during training camp in Penticton, and he&#8217;s shown why it was warranted all throughout the preseason. I really think he&#8217;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.</p>
<p>He&#8217;s also been putting in some work on his playmaking in the offseason from the looks of things.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Check out the toe drag by Nis Hoglander!</p>
<p>🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/5uRylw0QcO">pic.twitter.com/5uRylw0QcO</a></p>
<p>&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842417819440324807?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>Meanwhile, Kiefer Sherwood is already your favourite player on the Canucks. You just might not know it yet.</p>
<p>With hits like this one on Connor Brown, he&#8217;s already preparing a shelf for that Unsung Hero Award.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Kiefer Sherwood lays out Connor Brown! Sherwood was 15th in the NHL in hits last season with 234. </p>
<p>🎥: Sportsnet | NHL <a href="https://t.co/qZrp2rexvY">pic.twitter.com/qZrp2rexvY</a></p>
<p>&mdash; CanucksArmy (@CanucksArmy) <a href="https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842415574158090576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<h2>Turning it over to the people</h2>
<p>With this being the last Jumping to Conclusions until next preseason, I felt it was time to ask the fans what they&#8217;re thinking about their team after the Canucks&#8217; wrapped up their exhibition schedule.</p>
<p>Show me what hot takes you&#8217;ve got.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/a4MIL0GE6H">pic.twitter.com/a4MIL0GE6H</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Logan Hawkins (@LoganHawkins04) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoganHawkins04/status/1842423886220263854?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="qme" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/TuFGilYhYu">pic.twitter.com/TuFGilYhYu</a></p>
<p>&mdash; Connor (paid my dues) 🇨🇱 (@cknnr17) <a href="https://twitter.com/cknnr17/status/1842423404357468615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Someone was bound to say it. It wasn&#8217;t going to be me for fear of being a jinx, but if any of you end up being right you&#8217;ll have this reciept to remind everybody about it in June.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Cup, vezina, Norris, hart, are coming home!</p>
<p>&mdash; Darryl Keeping (@dkeeping) <a href="https://twitter.com/dkeeping/status/1842422951993553346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>This is a big bet and I like where Darryl&#8217;s head is at, but this still feels a little safe to me. Can we get something even crazier?</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Silovs winning the Vezina</p>
<p>&mdash; Ryan (@BentleytheGreat) <a href="https://twitter.com/BentleytheGreat/status/1842423180042072104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>We&#8217;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.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quinn Hughes rocket richard</p>
<p>&mdash; kwïn hüz /blm/ (@riotsurvivor) <a href="https://twitter.com/riotsurvivor/status/1842422768102670461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>YESSSSSS. Now THAT&#8217;S what I&#8217;m talking about. Riot Survivor is out here playing 4D chess while we&#8217;re all playing checkers.</p>
<p>If that slap shot in the first period was any indication he&#8217;s going to challenge some franchise goals records for sure.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Rogers arena concession prices will go down.</p>
<p>&mdash; Marcus in Gibsons (@mbrejak) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbrejak/status/1842424000208908751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>This one wins. Does it have anything to do with the play on the ice? No. Is it still a genius answer? Absolutely.</p>
<p>Maybe the team will be taking notes on how Utah is getting people to buy more food this season.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Parade route planning <a href="https://t.co/s3PJ23t4Mo">https://t.co/s3PJ23t4Mo</a></p>
<p>&mdash; mama bear🗑 🦝 🏳️‍🌈 (@trackwanderer) <a href="https://twitter.com/trackwanderer/status/1842428867665101239?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 5, 2024</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>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&#8217;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.</p>
<p><strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Let's start with a lukewarm observation before we get into the outlandish stuff: the NHL preseason is way too long.
<div class="bam-inline-promotion-block" data-max-length="2" data-placement-id="2111" data-context="web-content-promocard" data-property-id="329"></div>
&nbsp;

The Canucks <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/instant-reaction-canucks-close-preseason-4-1-oilers">finish with a winning record of 3-2-1 in the preseason</a>, 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 <em>not</em> 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 <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/vancouver-canucks-tocchet-garland-tweaked-something-friday-played">tweaking something at morning skate</a>.

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.
<h2>Arshdeep Bains is a generational talent</h2>
Arshdeep Bains making the Canucks out of training camp would <a href="https://canucksarmy.com/news/who-stays-forward-canucks-cut">never have been a big surprise</a>. 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.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842391198608044284

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.

https://twitter.com/passittobulis/status/1842403123463323864

As far as the final roster cuts go, Bains' work tonight might've earned himself an immunity idol <em>and </em>a spot in the opening night lineup.
<h2>Jennings Trophy for Sil-ankinen</h2>
The idea of Canucks fans being comfortable running an Arturs Silovs-Kevin Lankinen tandem for an extended period of time isn't <em>entirely</em> 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.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842416675037040693

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.
<h2>Some champions of the preseason</h2>
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.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842417819440324807

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.

https://twitter.com/CanucksArmy/status/1842415574158090576
<h2>Turning it over to the people</h2>
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.

https://twitter.com/LoganHawkins04/status/1842423886220263854

https://twitter.com/cknnr17/status/1842423404357468615

&nbsp;

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.

https://twitter.com/dkeeping/status/1842422951993553346

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?

https://twitter.com/BentleytheGreat/status/1842423180042072104

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.

https://twitter.com/riotsurvivor/status/1842422768102670461

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.

https://twitter.com/mbrejak/status/1842424000208908751

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.

https://twitter.com/trackwanderer/status/1842428867665101239

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.

<strong>Sponsored by bet365</strong>
<div class="bam-inline-promotion" data-property-id="329" data-promotion-id="19111" data-context="web-content-promocard"></div>
&nbsp;

Jumping to Conclusions: Overly dramatic takes from the Canucks’ preseason finale against the Oilers

JPat: Foote steps out of Tocchet’s shadow and into pressure cooker to prove he can squeeze more offence out of Canucks

Vancouver Canucks prospect Anthony Romani skates during his team's 2-0 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at the 2024 Young Stars Classic in Penticton, BC.

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