Canucks: The goal scoring continues for Brock Boeser

Brock Boeser has been the Vancouver Canucks best shooter this season, possibly even one of the greatest goal scorers in the National Hockey League right now.

Through 19 contests, the 23-year-old sniper has already lit the lamp 11 times. He’s leading all Canucks forwards in goals (11) and points (18), and he’s currently second in league scoring, solely behind the Toronto Maple Leafs star forward, Auston Matthews (13).

His latest goal came last night in a crucial moment that saw the Canucks trailing the Calgary Flames late in the third period. Vancouver was on the penalty kill, but desperate to find a tying goal. Travis Green pulled the goalie in an attempt to even the playing field. With traffic in front, Boeser walked in, let one rip, and beat Jacob Markstrom bar down. It was clean and it was clutch.

From a career-low in goals last season (16) to already 11 goals through 19 games, it couldn’t be more clear that the Burnsville, Minnesota native has once again found his true form. Boeser has always been a ‘shoot first, ask questions later’ kind of fellow, but it was a list of nagging injuries that was stopping him from being himself.

But through all the suffering, pain and setbacks, Boeser was able to rebuild himself. He was able to overcome the challenges he faced by becoming a multi-faceted NHL player. He re-invented his game and because of that, all of the hurdles and struggles he overcame ultimately made him a better hockey player in the long run.

Whether it be at even strength, in his new place down low on the power play, or in the dying seconds of the game while down a man, Boeser has become a player who can score goals in any situation. He’s no longer a one-dimensional shooter. Now, he’s the type of player that can beat you in a variety of ways — enough to make your head spin.

As the Canucks travel to Calgary to finish off a four-game series with the Flames, it would be nice if they could find a way to even the series at two games apiece. The Flames will be locked in on Boeser as they try to shut down the Canucks best sniper, but Boeser already knows that.

His stick is hot right now, so the Canucks best be feeding him the puck.