Quadrelli Report: Gaudette proves he belongs in Vancouver Canucks’ loss
The Vancouver Canucks faced the Ottawa Senators last night, losing by a score of 6-2. It was a night to forget for many Canucks, but was an exceptionally strong performance for Adam Gaudette.
The Vancouver Canucks play their first game of the regular season just six days from today. Last night, they were in action, battling the Ottawa Senators for the second time this week. The Canucks didn’t fare too well, losing by a score of 6-2.
A Tough Outing for Thatcher Demko
The Canucks main goaltenders have fared well so far this preseason. The tandem of Thatcher Demko and Jacob Markstrom is thought by many to be the best tandem the team has seen in years.
Demko has been tabbed the “goalie of the future” from the moment he was first drafted near the top of the second round at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, but hasn’t gotten much action at the NHL level up to this point. Demko has appeared to improve with every game he’s played, but had a performance he’d like to forget last night.
The Canucks hung him out to dry more than a few times with some costly turnovers, but I’m sure Demko would have liked to have two or three of the goals that got past him last night back. Most notably, there was a breakaway goal that came while the Canucks were on the power play after a careless turnover at center ice. Demko nearly got a blocker on it, but was beat by the shot.
6. 91. 2. 104. Final
The Canucks played a sloppy game in front of Demko, but head coach Travis Green is confident that his young goaltender will bounce back the next time he’s called upon to start.
Looking For Revenge?
The Canucks’ players and fans were not happy with Chris Tierney‘s check from behind that gave Brock Boeser a concussion. Credit to Tierney, as he answered to questions about the hit, and revealed that he messaged Boeser after the game and apologized for the hit (whoopie), which Tierney called unfortunate.
With Tierney not in the lineup, it was hard for the Canucks to get some revenge. That didn’t stop Zack MacEwen from laying a huge hit on an Ottawa player deep in the Senators’ zone. This caught the attention of Sens’ defenceman Mark Borowiecki, who dropped the gloves with MacEwen.
Some called the Senators cowards for not putting Tierney in the lineup last night. Others were thankful that there would be less of an opportunity for anything stupid to happen, something Canucks fans have seen in the past before.
At the end of the day, these teams won’t face each other again until December 3rd, and lots can happen in that time. It will be curious to see if people forget about the whole thing, and I think that will depend on just how serious Boeser’s injury is.
This is still a hot topic, so I’d love to hear your thoughts on it. Do you think MacEwen’s fight will put the whole situation to bed? Personally, I don’t think so, but it was good to see someone on the Canucks play physical last night nonetheless.
Another Strong Game for Gaudette
Canucks’ management have a tough situation on their hands thanks to the exceptional performances Adam Gaudette has turned in this preseason. Last night marked yet another strong performance for the 2018 Hobey Baker Award winner.
When you look at it, there’s not a roster spot on this team for Gaudette. The Canucks are basically set when it comes to their centers, with Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, Brandon Sutter, and Jay Beagle. That’s not to say Gaudette is Utica bound for certain, as both he and Sutter are comfortable playing the wing if need be.
Gaudette is playing like a player who knows they won’t be handed a spot on the team. Unfortunately, players in the same boat as Gaudette such as Jake Virtanen and Nikolay Goldobin, haven’t played with that same fire that Gaudette has brought to nearly every game he’s played in this preseason.
Gaudette showed some great chemistry with Sven Baertschi, who in my opinion, could form an extremely effective third or fourth scoring line with one another. The offseason top-six forward acquisitions have a trickle-down effect, and having the ability to slide Baertschi lower in the lineup is something that will be extremely beneficial for the Canucks this season. Just look at this pass from Gaudette to Baertschi.
Solid way to end the 1st: @Hockey_Gaud to @SvenBaertschi 🐻🧀🚨#Canucks lead 2-1 after 20. pic.twitter.com/urMaWRijfg
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 26, 2019
Last night’s performance from Gaudette revealed that he’s truly doing everything he can to earn a spot on this team, and it was noticed by his coach too:
“He always puts the effort in and he’s here to make the team. He’s shown that.” -Travis Green
The comments Green has been making hint that Gaudette has done enough to earn a spot on the team. General manager Jim Benning showed last season that he isn’t afraid to make tough decisions in order to allow younger players an opportunity to play in the NHL, when he buried Sam Gagner‘s contract in the minors to make room for players like Pettersson and Goldobin.
If the Canucks send Gaudette to the minors after the performances he’s turned in, what kind of message does that send to their other young players? I doubt this will happen after hearing Green’s comments last night and throughout the preseason, but we’ll have to see if Gaudette forces management’s hand into making a move in order to keep the Hockey Gaud in the NHL.