Can the Canucks copy the Flames’ model for success next year?

2022-23 Vancouver Canucks

This is a Canucks website— you’re not here to read about the success of one of the Canucks’ biggest rivals, so we’ll stop talking about them. But here’s what we can learn from the Flames, and how it applies to the Canucks.

Similar to the Flames last year, the Canucks had a less-than-perfect start to the season this year. When they fired head coach Travis Green 25 games in, they had a mere eight wins. The playoffs were already a lost cause. But things changed under new coach Bruce Boudreau.

Through 30 games, Boudreau has a record of 18-8-4. As previously mentioned, the Canucks are by no means guaranteed to make the playoffs, but it is certainly a possibility.

Just like last year’s Flames, the Canucks’ star players struggled at the start of the season. Elias Pettersson was infamously bad— we don’t have to get into the numbers. Likewise, Brock Boeser hardly scored under Green this year. Even thought it did take Pettersson a while, it’s clear that both players have turned their seasons around under Boudreau

The Canucks have also improved their power play and penalty kill numbers significantly. Under Green, their 64.6% penalty kill was the worst in the league. Their 17.4% on the power play was good for 22nd in the NHL. Under Boudreau, their PK has improved to 76.6% (21st), and PP is running at 23.9% (ninth) prior to Thursday night’s contest against the Islanders.