Unexpected Leaders
Who would you say have been the most consistent Canucks over the first 16 games? Who was particularly good in the past three games? Who were players you did not expect to be in the conversation for the previous two questions?
Now, there are two options:
- You answered “Markus Granlund” and “Alex Burrows” to at least two of the questions above.
- You don’t actually watch Canucks games.
Add Granlund's name to the list of players who had a great game today. He's been one of the most consistent regulars so far. #Canucks
— Josh B (@BarkingJosh) November 14, 2016
The line of Granlund, Brandon Sutter and Jannik Hansen was the most consistent and most promising one of the first few weeks. Which is both exciting and alarming.
However, seeing that line succeed for more than just a few weeks is one of very few positives this season. Even with Derek Dorsett instead of the injured Jannik Hansen, the line is doing well. And who would have thought Granlund could look like a strong, consistent two-way player in the NHL this year?
There were talks about Granlund needing time in the AHL, but he emerged as a middle-six winger as soon as Willie Desjardins removed him from the fourth-line center role.
Alex Burrows’ story is similar, yet totally different. At the beginning of the season, there were fans who wanted to see him bought out. An overpaid veteran way past his prime has no business in an NHL lineup anymore, right?
Next: Canucks Should Try Trading Ryan Miller
Well, Burrows started rather slow but we can be glad he’s still around. The 35-year-old suddenly became a quick skater again, and the past few games are the best we’ve seen from him in at least a year. I never could have imagined myself saying this, but: Burrows is the hero the Bo-Baer line deserves.
Plus, that line of Burrows, Bo Horvat and Sven Baertschi had 100 percent offensive-zone starts against Dallas, which is probably a huge factor.