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Canucks: 3 keys to a successful 2021-22 season

By William Akers

VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 22: Bo Horvat #53 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates with Quinn Hughes #43 and Elias Pettersson #40 after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during NHL action at Rogers Arena on February 22, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC - FEBRUARY 22: Bo Horvat #53 of the Vancouver Canucks celebrates with Quinn Hughes #43 and Elias Pettersson #40 after scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during NHL action at Rogers Arena on February 22, 2020 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /
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VANCOUVER, BC – MARCH 22: Goalie Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks makes a glove save during NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on March 22, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
VANCOUVER, BC – MARCH 22: Goalie Thatcher Demko #35 of the Vancouver Canucks makes a glove save during NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena on March 22, 2021 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images) /

Key #2: Demko and Halak to become a top goaltending duo.

It’s of no news to anyone that the play of goaltender Braden Holtby last year was a burden to the Canucks. Thankfully, as a result of Holtby’s play, we saw the emergence of Vancouver’s new number one goalie Thatcher Demko.

After receiving a hefty extension during last season, Demko now enters his first season as Vancouver’s undisputed number one between the pipes.

The big new addition to the Canucks crease came in the form of veteran backup Jaroslav Halak. The Slovakian enters his 18th year of NHL action, and has an important role of giving Vancouver steady backup goaltending for around 30-35 games.

If the pair of the Demko and Halak can solidify the net and steal a handful of wins, they’ll put the Canucks in a great spot to contend for the postseason.

Key #3: Travis Green

It seems like the 2021-22 season is a make-or-break year for Canucks head coach Travis Green. After being backed with a roster re-tooling, new assistants, and a fresh two-year extension in May, Green has no excuses for underperforming in this upcoming year.

Many fans feel that Green was lucky to survive  the 2021 season, and surely he’s flirting with fire if the 2021-22 season goes poorly. After just one playoff appearance in four seasons thus far behind the Vancouver bench, Travis Green and his staff must show competence and put their players in the best system and position possible to succeed night after night.

The Canucks don’t have a talented enough team yet to overcome poor coaching, and as a result, poor leadership from Green will result in underachievement.

Canucks trade Juolevi to Panthers in exchange for Juulsen and Lammikko. dark. Next

What do you think the Canucks potential is for this season? What are the keys to a successful season in your eyes? Let us know your thoughts and feelings down below in the comment section!

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