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Canucks: Come on coach, it’s time to let the kids play

By Brayden Ursel |
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 19: Olli Juolevi #48 of the Vancouver Canucks shoots the puck during the pre-game warmup prior to NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on February 19, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 19: Olli Juolevi #48 of the Vancouver Canucks shoots the puck during the pre-game warmup prior to NHL hockey action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on February 19, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)

The Vancouver Canucks might be holding a record of 6-3-1 through their last 10 games, but they’ve lost three in a row and are falling further down the standings and out of the playoff race.

The Canucks are currently two points back of the Montreal Canadiens for the fourth and final playoff spot. Unfortunately for the Canucks, Montreal has six games in hand. Behind Vancouver, the Calgary Flames trail by just two points, with another three games in hand.

Vancouver has played the most games in the division, won’t be playing until next Wednesday because of their bye-week, and because of that, they’ll likely see another drop in the standings. So when is enough, enough? When will head coach Travis Green decide it’s time to lay off the gas pedal and let the kids play?

Realistically, Green will push for a playoff spot until the Canucks are mathematically eliminated from any sort of playoff comeback, but in the interest of his youthful players, he needs to consider injecting them back into the lineup.

Names that come to mind include defencemen Olli Juolevi and Jalen Chatfield. As well as goaltender Mikey DiPietro. Juolevi showed signs of being an everyday NHL blueliner, but he hasn’t seen NHL game-action in over a month. He’s a big part of the Canucks future blueline, so it would be wise to give him games over veteran defenders on expiring contracts such as Jordie Benn, Travis Hamonic, and Alex Edler.

Chatfield got into a game on March 17th, but before that, he hadn’t played since early February, while DiPietro hasn’t seen the net in over a calendar year. Getting NHL reps on the Canucks’ taxi squad is good, but without any games played it really makes you question his development. Of all the players not getting involved game-wise, DiPietro’s game is likely to suffer the most.

Sure, taking shots from NHL players in practice is nice, but a good goalie needs the pressure of a real game, especially considering how long it’s been for DiPietro between starts.

The Canucks should turn an eye to the future, and to do that, Green needs to find ways to get his up-and-coming prospects involved in NHL action.

Next. Canucks' playoff picture fading with injuries to centres. dark

What do you think Canucks Nation? When will Vancouver’s youth begin to take over the lineup?

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