The Vancouver Canucks kicked off their NHL season with a rollercoaster of a recreation that left followers each excited and nervous. It was a recreation of two elements. There have been 20 minutes of excellent hockey adopted by 40 minutes that might have gone higher. In the event you had been tuned into the radio in Vancouver this morning, you most likely caught the hosts having a area day with it.
Like many Canucks followers, after J.T. Miller tied the sport late within the third interval, Vancouver needed to come again – proper? The nerve-wracking time beyond regulation was over rapidly. Based mostly on that alone, the Canucks seemed strong in clutch moments. That stated, it’s clear from the evaluation that the efficiency main as much as that was removed from excellent.
Associated: Allvin Believes Brannstrom Has a Vivid Future with Canucks
The Story of Two Canucks (Partial) Video games
The Canucks began on fireplace. They dominated the primary 20 minutes of play and gave followers a glimpse of what this crew can do. The power, pace, and depth had been all there. It seemed just like the crew was set to make a robust opening assertion for the season.
Nonetheless, what occurred within the second and third intervals was totally different. It’s as if the crew flipped a change, not in a great way. They had been outplayed for lengthy stretches, and key breakdowns led to high-danger possibilities for the opposition. The radio guys—Halford, Brough, and Thomas Drance—had been throughout it this morning. They picked aside the sloppy play and puzzled why the crew misplaced its edge after that sturdy first interval.
Poor Silovs Obtained Hung Out to Dry By His Teammates
One of many key takeaways from the sport was Arturs Silovs’ efficiency. The younger goaltender discovered himself in a troublesome spot, and also you’ve bought to really feel for him. The Canucks’ protection left a lot to be desired within the latter elements of the sport. Silovs nonetheless made a valiant effort however didn’t get it executed. Nonetheless, one can’t assist however marvel how issues may need gone in another way if the crew in entrance of him had been somewhat sharper.
The Canucks’ skill to hold in there and drive time beyond regulation was commendable. Nonetheless, they’ll want to wash up these lengthy stretches of subpar play in the event that they need to keep away from placing Silovs—and any goalie—underneath fixed fireplace. It’s clear that with Thatcher Demko because the starter, the Canucks are aiming to construct a extra well-rounded and accountable defensive construction. However it would take time for that to persistently present on the ice.
The Hand-Wringing Expanded Previous Vancouver
Whereas Canucks followers is likely to be wringing their arms after the ups and downs of the season opener, they’re not alone. Edmonton is probably going going by means of comparable anxieties after its personal rocky begin. With excessive expectations for the Oilers this season, a stumble out of the gate didn’t sit properly with their followers. They wished to see higher.
And over in Toronto, it appears the Maple Leafs’ season opener was a goaltender’s duel. Neither aspect was capable of break by means of for a lot of the sport. In distinction to Vancouver’s recreation, the Maple Leafs’ showdown in opposition to the Montreal Canadiens resulted in a good 1-0 loss. Nonetheless, it was a type of basic tight defensive battles relatively than the back-and-forth chaos that the Canucks discovered themselves in.
What’s Subsequent for the Canucks?
For the Canucks, the important thing transferring ahead shall be consistency. That 20 minutes of high-energy, sharp play exhibits what this crew can do. Nonetheless, the following 40 minutes served as a reminder that there’s nonetheless work remaining. Head coach Rick Tocchet will seemingly handle this in follow. The crew can’t afford these lapses in the event that they need to be aggressive in a troublesome Western Convention.
The excellent news? It’s only one recreation. There’s loads of hockey left to be performed. Hopefully, the Canucks will use this recreation as a studying alternative to tighten up their play over a full 60 minutes.
Followers will watch intently to see if the crew can construct on that promising first interval and easy out the tough patches. With key gamers like Elias Pettersson, Quinn Hughes, and J.T. Miller main the best way, there’s each purpose to imagine the Canucks can discover their rhythm sooner relatively than later.
[Note, I want to thank my Canucks’ watching partner Greg for his insights that added to this post.]
Associated: Arturs Silovs Falters as Flames Mount Comeback in 6-5 OT Win
