The Canuck Way
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Canucks cannot afford any more injuries to key players

By Brayden Ursel

VANCOUVER, BC - OCTOBER 09: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his first NHL goal against the Los Angeles Kings with teammate Tyler Myers #57 during the first period at Rogers Arena on October 9, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - OCTOBER 09: Quinn Hughes #43 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates his first NHL goal against the Los Angeles Kings with teammate Tyler Myers #57 during the first period at Rogers Arena on October 9, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Ben Nelms/Getty Images) /
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The Vancouver Canucks have a few impact players on the shelf, and now Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers might miss games. Now is not the time for injuries.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Vancouver Canucks, head coach Travis Green announced that both defencemen Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers are banged up and listed as day-to-day. Patrick Johnston and the National Post had the inside scoop on the pair missing practice. Not exactly what you want to hear, especially after the Canucks have dropped three straight games and are barely clinging on to a playoff spot.

In their last 13 games of action, the Canucks hold a record of 4-7-2, only 10 points claimed out of a possible 26. Trying to win hockey games without the usual help from star players Brock Boeser and Jacob Markstrom is proving to be harder than expected, even with the help Jim Benning traded for at the deadline in Tyler Toffoli and Louis Domingue.

Toffoli has done an excellent job replacing the injured right-wing sniper (his chemistry made an instant impact), but a 1-2 punch of Boeser and Toffoli on the right side would do wonders for the club right now. With no Markstrom covering the crease full-time, Vancouver has come out on top as victors just once in their last four outings and they could really use all the firepower they can get.

It’s been one obstacle after another this season, and the Canucks have faced them all and come out on the winning side. Now is not the time for another star player to miss valuable time in springtime hockey. If both Hughes and Myers aren’t back sooner than later, it could be the end of the Canucks and their playoff hopes.

Successful playoff contenders usually carry at least one star player at each major position (forward, defence, goaltending), it’s a huge factor in winning, especially for Vancouver this year. Without MVP’s Hughes and Markstrom, the Canucks wouldn’t have a sniff of playoff contention.

They have launched this team forward in a big way, pushing the Canucks’ cup window open earlier than originally expected. Fingers crossed the injury bug dies off, Myers and Hughes miss minimal time and Boeser and Markstrom make quick recoveries.

dark. Next. If Canucks collapse, there will be offseason changes

The future of this team could very well be shaped on if the Canucks make the playoffs or choke and miss out for the fifth straight season. A healthy roster would definitely help the team’s chances.

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