3. Bo Horvat
Bo Horvat continues to be a leader on this team.
He has posted 13 goals and 11 assists in 30 games so far, which places him fourth on team scoring, and he currently leads the Canucks with six powerplay goals.
Of course, Horvat’s current campaign has been littered with a few scoreless streaks here and there, and, much like Miller, he has been on the wrong end of some truly disastrous defensive miscues.
But, when push comes to shove, you can’t argue against the fact that Horvat has the ability to come up with big plays when his team needs him the most, and this was on full display this past week.
Over the past four games, Horvat averaged just under 21 minutes of ice time, registering seven shots and a plus-three rating during that span. Much like the last few seasons, he hasn’t been able to consistently play with the same linemates, especially with injuries to Pettersson and, more recently, Tanner Pearson, and has centred wingers such as Boeser, Jake Virtanen, and even newcomer Jimmy Vesey.
Like a true pro, however, that hasn’t stopped #53 from producing every time he steps over the boards.
Horvat has registered four points in his last four games, and has been able to find his way onto the scoresheet with a combination of tallies and helpers, including two nifty plays on Wednesday night:
https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1372326861322166276?s=20
What a slick feed from Nils Höglander to setup Bo Horvat for the #Canucks 2-0 goal pic.twitter.com/eLvbYq7gqa
— Harman Dayal (@harmandayal2) March 17, 2021
Horvat also hasn’t been afraid to battle along the boards or drive hard to the net, two encouraging signs of a determined, tough leader, and he was rewarded with what could easily be described as the greasiest goal in franchise history as a result:
Mad scramble in the Oilers crease and the #Canucks eventually push it over the line
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) March 14, 2021
It's a PP goal credited to Bo Horvat and Vancouver has the first goal of the game. pic.twitter.com/Ib2TBCVazN
Oh, and did we mention that Horvat isn’t afraid to throw his weight around to ignite a spark in his team or to stick up for a linemate? Brady Tkachuk learned that tidbit the hard way.
You don't touch Horvat's on ice son pic.twitter.com/msFuh0C9Ng
— Wyatt Arndt (@TheStanchion) March 17, 2021
Much like the other big guns, Horvat will need to continue his strong play for the remainder of the season if the Canucks want to play even more meaningful hockey in May, but he hasn’t shown signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Honourable Mentions: Alex Edler and Travis Hamonic
Alex Edler and Travis Hamonic have not been afraid to lay their bodies on the line.
The two veteran defencemen have combined for 25 shot blocks over the last four games, including four shot blocks in just under three minutes from Edler during the Oiler’s third-period push on Saturday night.
Alex Edler wants that shot at the Vezina bad. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/d4keVhWYnx
— Lachlan Irvine (@LachInTheCrease) March 14, 2021
The Canucks managed to squeak away with the victory, but that might not have been the case had it not been for Edler.
There’s no doubt that #23 and #27 still struggle defensively at times, but they’ve been willing to sacrifice their bodies in critical situations, and Canucks fans are hoping this can continue for the remainder of the season.
Upcoming games:
- Saturday, March 20th – Vancouver Canucks @ Montreal Canadiens (4:00pm PST)
- Monday, March 22nd – Winnipeg Jets @ Vancouver Canucks (7:00pm PST)
- Wednesday, March 24th – Winnipeg Jets @ Vancouver Canucks (7:00pm PST)
Who do you think played well during this past week? Make sure to drop a comment below!