The Canuck Way Mailbag: Pettersson, Miller, Virtanen, more

Questions about goaltending, standouts & Miller

I think the Canucks’ goaltending will ultimately be a major strength of this team. Braden Holtby had a solid debut in the blue and green and Thatcher Demko, despite allowing five goals, was pretty steady in his as well. He made a few ten-bell saves right at the beginning of the game, and was then at the mercy of Connor McDavid, who makes goaltenders look silly on a nightly basis. I do not fault Demko for that loss at all.

Unlike most teams, the Canucks have a tandem that will give them a chance to win every night, even in the O.K. Corral that is the North Division. Goaltending should be the least of their worries right now.

It has to be Hoglander, right? He has impressed me ever since his draft year when he was selected in the second round by the Canucks. His creativity, smarts, and overall work ethic never cease to amaze me, and he has predictably brought his entire arsenal over to the NHL. He has not looked out of place and despite some defensive lapses in his second game, has made the successful transition to the small ice in North America.

Hoglander has also made Bo Horvat and Tanner Pearson better, and at times appeared to be Green’s number one option to throw over the boards. In fact, in his first three games, he averaged 20 minutes of ice time and took Miller’s spot on the number one power play unit. He even double shifted on the top line with Pettersson and Boeser.

So to sum things up, it’s Hoggy time in Vancouver and I don’t think the shine will fade anytime soon.

It goes without saying that the Canucks have missed their leading scorer from last season in Miller. Whenever you remove a player that produced 72 points from your lineup, it’s going to make a difference. He drives play from the top line with his size, playmaking, and faceoff skills, not to mention his seemingly innate chemistry with Petterson. Without him, the Canucks are not the same team. You can basically say, they lost their top line. The Lotto Line is a play driving machine, but only when Miller is a part of it.

Having said all that, I do believe they have the personnel that is capable of stepping up and winning games without him. We have not seen Pettersson and Hughes at their best yet and the depth of Hoglander, Boeser, Pearson, and Adam Gaudette should get them at least a split against the Flames. Thankfully, we won’t have to endure his loss for much longer, as he is slated to return on Jan 20 against the Montreal Canadiens.

That does it for the first regular season edition of The Canuck Way mailbag. All I have to say is, it’s good to be back.

Be sure to follow us @FSTheCanuckWay for all your Canucks needs, and as always enjoy the games, and of course, get those questions ready for the next mailbag!