The Canuck Way
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Canucks: 3 takeaways from exhibition game vs. Winnipeg Jets

By Brayden Ursel

EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JULY 29: Antoine Roussel #26 of the Vancouver Canucks scores a third period goal against Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets in an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on July 29, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
EDMONTON, ALBERTA - JULY 29: Antoine Roussel #26 of the Vancouver Canucks scores a third period goal against Connor Hellebuyck #37 of the Winnipeg Jets in an exhibition game prior to the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Rogers Place on July 29, 2020 in Edmonton, Alberta. (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /
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Olli Juolevi fends of the Vancouver Canucks fends off Nick Shore of Winnipeg Jets (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images)
Olli Juolevi fends of the Vancouver Canucks fends off Nick Shore of Winnipeg Jets (Photo by Jeff Vinnick/Getty Images) /

Micheal Ferland and Olli Juolevi were good

Under a microscope, Olli Juolevi played in what was considered to be the most real NHL game of his career. Drafted back in 2016, the 22-year-old Fin hasn’t laced up the skates in a real game. Up to this point, it has been nothing but training camp performances and preseason action.

And even though this game won’t count as his NHL debut, it pretty much was. The Winnipeg Jets iced their playoff-ready team (no AHL players), the Canucks did the same, and the tempo of real NHL hockey was alive and very much present from start to finish.

Dressed as the 7th defender for Vancouver, Juolevi saw only 6:37 in ice time, but he did what he could with the time he had. His CF% was over 60, he kept up with the pace of play, registered two shots on goal, and his stretch passes were something special. Thumbs up on a great game for Olli!

Micheal Ferland was another player that people had their eyes on. Sidelined with concussion problems that lingered for the vast majority of the season, Ferland bounced back, had a great training camp, and can be a big difference-maker to a playoff series.

He got the nod from Travis Green in favor of Jake Virtanen, and he was as expected in the exhibition. 11:40 of ice-time, two hits (nothing bone-crushing), a shot on goal, and a +1 rating when all was said and done. Not too bad for the burly Manitoba-native. He’s earned more looks moving forward.

Final thoughts…

The score didn’t reflect the overall game of the Vancouver Canucks. Don’t get me wrong, it was sloppy hockey, but that is expected right now. The top-six looks hungry, the star players of this team are standing out, and the supporting pieces are finding their way.

Next. Canucks: Don't hand your hat on these playoffs. dark

Playoff hockey is right around the corner! Puck drops against the Wild on August 2nd.

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