Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Something's Missing
It's hard to criticize a division-leading team with a 10-4-2 record. But while watching the Canucks over the last couple of weeks, something doesn't seem right with the team. Something's missing. The team that tied a franchise record, going 8-1-1 in its first ten games, has gone 2-3-1 in its last six games, including two losses each against their top two division rivals - Colorado and Calgary.
1/5th of the way into this season, I see many of the same problems that were responsible for the Canucks' first-round exit against the Flames. Too many of similar-type players, a lot of finesse, but perhaps not enough grit. The team has replaced lunch-bucket guys like Mike Keane and Brad May with more skillful players like Richard Park and Anson Carter. And on some nights it shows.
On some nights, there doesn't seem to be much of a willingness to fight through the checks and push through the zone. This was painfully obvious especially against Calgary and Minnesota. Against Colorado, the team just wasn't able to generate many chances except when on the powerplay. It's amazing how much different the team played in games that neither Bryan Allen nor Matt Cooke, two of their grittier guys, were in the lineup.
Now, if the NHL maintains their higher standard of officiating from the start of the season, this probably isn't much of an issue. But if the last two games against the Flames were any indication, then it looks like they might let the players loose a little bit, and this may pose a concern for the Canucks. The team is talented, but do they have the right mix?
1/5th of the way into this season, I see many of the same problems that were responsible for the Canucks' first-round exit against the Flames. Too many of similar-type players, a lot of finesse, but perhaps not enough grit. The team has replaced lunch-bucket guys like Mike Keane and Brad May with more skillful players like Richard Park and Anson Carter. And on some nights it shows.
On some nights, there doesn't seem to be much of a willingness to fight through the checks and push through the zone. This was painfully obvious especially against Calgary and Minnesota. Against Colorado, the team just wasn't able to generate many chances except when on the powerplay. It's amazing how much different the team played in games that neither Bryan Allen nor Matt Cooke, two of their grittier guys, were in the lineup.
Now, if the NHL maintains their higher standard of officiating from the start of the season, this probably isn't much of an issue. But if the last two games against the Flames were any indication, then it looks like they might let the players loose a little bit, and this may pose a concern for the Canucks. The team is talented, but do they have the right mix?
2 Comments:
Good question. I totally agree with your assessment. When Calgary was finishing their checks, the 'nucks sudddenly looked limp.
If Jason Doig isn't making more than $75K at the AHL level, I would venture to say that he will suit up with the Canucks soon.
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