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Vancouver Canucks prospects of week 5: DiPietro, MacEwen and Rafferty

By Rick Warman

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 9: Goalie Michael DiPietro #75 of the Vancouver Canucks readies to make a save during the team warm up prior to NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February, 9, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 9: Goalie Michael DiPietro #75 of the Vancouver Canucks readies to make a save during the team warm up prior to NHL action against the Calgary Flames on February, 9, 2019 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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Each week I will be featuring the Vancouver Canucks top three prospects of the week. Along with any other notable performances, should there be any that deserve mentioning?

The Vancouver Canucks‘ prospects, specifically the one playing with the Utica Comets, shone bright this week. Here are this week’s top prospects.

1. Michael Dipietro

The Utica Comets had a lucrative week, and many of the Vancouver Canucks prospects had prominent roles. However, none were more significant than the contribution put forward by goaltender Michael DiPietro.

With Zane McIntyre being summoned by the Canucks to fill in for Jacob Markstrom, who had been given a leave of absence by the team to tend to a family matter. Dipietro seized the opportunity to make his American Hockey League debut.

In his first regular-season start for the Comets, which also marked the team’s home debut, DiPietro turned aside 16 of 18 shots to earn his first professional win. He was named the game’s first star in a 6-2 victory.

Two nights later, he would be back in the net earning his second victory, as the Comets destroyed the Charlotte Checkers 8-2. DiPietro stopped 24 of the 26 shots that were fired his way.

2. Zack MacEwen

Five points in three games were only a small measure of the contribution put forth by Zack MacEwen. He was also a driving force behind the Comet’s efficient penalty-kill. One which successfully killed all 17 shorthanded situations they faced in the three games of the homestand.

MacEwen also provided a physical force, dropping his gloves on one occasion. He was also very noticeable on the forecheck and a formidable net-front presence numerous times. His most recent goal showed some of the puck skills that he possesses.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1185713052525744129

3. Brogan Rafferty

In watching the Comets play this season compared to last, the most noticeable improvement is the transition game of their young mobile defencemen. Brogan Rafferty exemplifies that trait. His ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and gain the opposition blueline is exceptional. Rafferty has been terrific without the puck as well, with a plus-minus rating of +8, tied for second-best in the league.

In the Comets win versus Charlotte, he recorded his first professional goal and selected as the game’s third star. Rafferty has been playing the point of the second unit powerplay. If his steady play continues, he could receive a call-up to the Canucks at some time this season.

Honourable Mentions

Kole Lind and Olli Juolevi were also significant factors in the Comets’ remarkable homestand. Lind was both creative and feisty while recording four points in the three games. Juolevi added two assists in last night’s game and was terrific defensively with several blocked shots.

Carson Focht and Tyler Madden had two-goal games while Ethan Keppen had a goal and three assists in three games this week. Be sure to check back next week to see which prospects are featured.

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