Vancouver Canucks Friday Roundup: October 31, 2014

Welcome to Friday Roundup at The Canuck Way. Every Friday we’ll take our top 5 Canucks stories of the week, share them with you, and add a little color to the news that is being talked about around Vancouver this week.

1. The Canucks are on a Three Game Win Streak

It was a great week for the Vancouver Canucks. They were able to produce three wins in their three game home stand. The win against Carolina was fairly unsurprising, but it was great to see the team put together strong performances against Washington and Montreal. It took an overtime goal from the Sedins to beat Montreal, but I’m okay with that, since it was one of the prettiest goals of the year. I love Daniel Wagner’s take on the goal at Pass it to Bulis:

"The burst of speed must have confused the Montreal penalty killers, who assumed that Henrik was trying to go coast-to-coast. All three of them converged on Henrik, forgetting the most important rule of checking the Sedins: the Sedin with the puck is the least dangerous Sedin."

So true, Daniel. So true.

2. Alex Burrows is Facing League Discipline

One of the unfortunate features of last night’s game was Alex Burrows’ hit on Alexei Emelin before the Canucks scored the first goal. He wasn’t penalized for the hit in-game, but he is scheduled to have a phone hearing with the Player Safety Department. From NHL.com:

"Vancouver Canucks forward Alexandre Burrows will have a phone hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety on Friday.Burrows checked Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexei Emelin at 8:28 of the second period of a game Thursday at Rogers Arena. No penalty was called on the play. Emelin missed the remainder of the second period but returned for the third.The following grounds are being considered for supplemental discipline: interference and illegal check to the head. However, the Department of Player Safety retains the right to make adjustments to the infraction upon review."

Burrows does not have a history of suspension, which may help him here, but obviously the league feels the hit deserves a hearing. We should find out soon enough whether there will be any discipline. Here’s a video of the hit:

As much as I like Burrows, I can see why he’s being asked to make that phone call. The hit is a little late, and it definitely looks like the head is the initial point of contact. Don’t forget to check out TCW writer Alex Munro’s take on what this means for the rest of the lineup, especially Zack Kassian.

3. Bo Horvat is Coming!

It has been well documented on The Canuck Way, both here and here, but it bears repeating: Bo Horvat is debuting with the Canucks on Sunday against the Nashville Predators. I am so excited I think some of my freckles are about to burst! Seriously though, it is nice to see a fresh commitment to youth from the Canucks organization. It’s been a while since we watched Burrows, Kesler, Schneider and Edler all come through the system together. I’m glad that management is looking for ways to complement a still talented but aging core with younger players. Hopefully Horvat can fit in well on this roster and contribute consistently.

4. Jacob Markstrom is Close to the AHL Shutout Record

I wrote this week that Jacob Markstrom is only about 36 minutes of shutout hockey away from breaking the AHL’s record for consecutive shutout minutes. The Comets play the Binghamton Senators tonight. It looks like the starter is not confirmed yet, but this would be an ideal game for Markstrom. The Comets’ game preview notes that the Senators have struggled to begin the season, with two wins in eight games. However it fails to note where Binghamton is, which would be helpful, because I’m half convinced it’s a made-up town.

5. Trevor Linden is Devastatingly Handsome

If you don’t already love Trevor Linden, then you probably don’t really “get” Vancouver. Linden did an interview with Dan Murphy during last night’s game, and I couldn’t help but notice how good he looks for a former hockey player. I turned to my wife and said, “If my hair can go grey like his, I will be a happy man.”  She suspects that he dyes his hair. I disagree. Trevor Linden is all natural in my books.

Tell us what you think. What stood out to you this week? Did my man crush on Trevor Linden make me miss an important story? Share your thoughts in the comments!