While we are only four games into the new season, and that too with an average 2-2-0 record, there are many things that Vancouver Canucks fans should be excited about in regards to this season and the future.
*Please note: this was written before the events of Elias Pettersson injury in Florida
On Thursday night I was sitting in church, more or less daydreaming about the Vancouver Canucks winning the Stanley Cup (like I usually do). Then I snapped out of that day-dream and prayed “dear God, please let Elias Pettersson continue to score, and help Brock Boeser out, let him start scoring again”.
A few minutes later, two rather noisy individuals decided to camp outside the church and talk about all things under the sun. Next thing I hear, “Pettersson has just scored. That kid is fantastic he keeps scoring every game”. Me, trying to keep my decorum (I was in a church after all) was both visibly excited and slightly annoyed (I was “PVRing” the game). After taking a few minutes to finally regain my stoic disposition, I suddenly hear “Brock Boeser has just scored, these kids are unbelievable!”
Let’s just say I was very happy I wasn’t in church when Jake Virtanen scored. I wonder if it’s appropriate to #shotgunjake holy wine if Virtanen scores during a mass? Just asking for a friend…
The moral of the story is that Canucks fans should be very pleased with what they have seen so far and should be even more excited for the future.
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Sure, the Canucks have been porous defensively, but take a good look at that blueline as it is right now and tell me who is going to be there long term? I would venture to say that Alex Edler, Chris Tanev, and Troy Stecher are the only three on the current roster who have a good chance at that.
This defence will change and only for the better. Reports from Utica suggest Olli Juolevi has been playing very well, Quinn Hughes is an absolute game breaking defenceman (regardless of his size), and let’s not forget Jett Woo, a guy who reminds me a lot of Kevin Bieksa.
Even the goaltending the Canucks employ right now won’t be here long-term. This will be Thatcher Demko‘s team next year, and he is poised to be a high-end goalie in the Cory Schneider mold. Michael DiPietro also looks like a guy who could be a solid NHL goalie in the not to distant future as well.
But just take a look at how the team has been playing this season. The Canucks have been averaging four goals a game (with little help from Boeser), and they look quicker and more skilled.
Pettersson has lived up to the hype, and even better is the fact is he’s bringing out the best of both Nikolay Goldobin and Loui Eriksson (which would be huge wins for the Canucks management). The Bo Horvat line has been great on the powerplay, though they still need to improve during even strength. That will come once Brock Boeser returns to 100%.
The bottom six has actually been pretty impressive. Jake Virtanen looks re-energized and is a guy who can excel in a third line role, playing against inferior competition. Even guys like Brandon Sutter, Markus Granlund, and Tyler Motte have played well. Watching Sutter and Granlund penalty kill lately has been a thing of beauty!
Even if the Canucks have a losing season, fans should be encouraged! The Canucks are playing a more entertaining brand of hockey where the vision of the future is crystal clear. Just imagine the potential of this team when both the Pettersson and Horvat lines are on top of their games. It’s a beautiful picture.
It’s been a long time since I have genuinely been excited to watch a Canucks game. It’s a feeling that should only grow as the season progresses. Get excited Canucks fans, we’ve been shown a glimpse of the future in these first four games, and it promises to be a damn good one!