The Canuck Way
Fansided

Canucks News: Power Play Woes, Dark Times Ahead

By Janik Beichler

Nov 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ben Hutton (27) celebrates the goal of left wing Loui Eriksson (21) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Ben Hutton (27) celebrates the goal of left wing Loui Eriksson (21) in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Vancouver Canucks’ abysmal power play is not the only scary thing about the team right now.

First things first: I’m not being pessimistic. Readers often accuse me of being too negative and pessimistic, but I’m not. I like to think of myself as a realist — and the Vancouver Canucks don’t give us many positives to talk about.

In today’s daily news edition, we have Jeff Paterson’s take on the Canucks’ terrible power play this season, as well as five things to be afraid of by Rob Williams.

The Power Play

Jeff Paterson (Canucks Army) — The Canucks Power Play on the Road; The Struggle is Real

"Maybe, just maybe, there are signs the Canucks power play is awakening from a season-long slumber. Maybe. Bet let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. The power play is 8/58 (13.8%) in the past 20 games and on the season remains a huge issue sitting 28th in the league at 22/153 (14.4%)."

Sports fans like to overrate their favourite teams’ players. A lot. But after seeing what Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin and Loui Eriksson did at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, Canucks fans had legitimate reason to get excited.

More from Canucks News

On the Canucks, however, the trio has been unable to impress. That comes as a surprise to many, especially on the power play.

What did they do on Team Sweden that can’t be done in Vancouver?

Well, there is one major difference between Sweden’s and Vancouver’s power play units. The Swedes had defencemen like Erik Karlsson and Oliver Ekman-Larsson on the blue line. Though Troy Stecher has been decent so far, he is no Karlsson.

Still, one would think the Canucks should be able to form some kind of successful PP-group with the Sedins and Eriksson up front. So, what’s going wrong? Is it all the wrong strategy?

Jeff Paterson took a closer look at it.

Everything Else

Rob Williams (Daily Hive) — 5 things to be afraid of prior to Canucks 6-game road trip

"There’s a dark cloud ahead and the Canucks’ ship is heading straight for it.I’m being a bit dramatic, but you can’t help but think that dark days are ahead for a struggling Vancouver team as they get ready to embark on a six-game Eastern road trip."

Unfortunately, the power play is not the only issue Vancouver has right now. There is a lot more that isn’t working, and a lot of that will likely be exposed on the upcoming six-game road trip.

Perhaps a little surprising is the inclusion of goaltending on Rob Williams’ list. For the most part, goaltenders Ryan Miller and Jacob Markstrom have been one of few bright spots this season. With save percentages of .915 and .913, respectively, the goalies won a few games almost single-handedly.

Next: 4 Bold Second-Half Predictions

The big issue here might be Willie Desjardins’ declaration that Miller is the clear No. 1 goalie for this season. With Markstrom playing at a similar level, could that change soon? Could Miller be traded at the deadline, making Markstrom the No. 1 for the rest of this season and next?

We’ll find out soon.

Home/Canucks News