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CANUCKS HOCKEY BLOG

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Jovo Who?

James Mirtle has posted a list of 10 players making an unexpected impact this season. Among them are the Vancouver Canucks' own Kevin Bieksa:

Vancouver defenceman is about as unheard of as can get, but they're calling him Jovo Jr. out West after posting 10 points in his last 10 games.
After tonight's game, make that 17 points in 17 games.

Just for fun, here is a comparison of this season thus far between the man they call Jovo Jr. and Jovo himself.


Me thinks, he's no one's Jr. In fact, Kevin is carving out a nice name and nice game on his own.

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Comments/Questions: Feel free to post in the comments section or email me at gocanucksgo10 (at) hotmail (dot) com.

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posted by J.J. Guerrero, 10:25 PM

6 Comments:

At January 16, 2007 11:54 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to dog on him for his seemingly lackluster defensive play. But good grief! He rushes up the ice, breaks to the net, and if he gets caught he skates like a madman and gets back into position.

On top of his quaterbacking the PP, his accurate slapper from the point, quality break-out passes, and sound positioning defensively.

Am I missing anything? He sure has proven himself to me, and I wasn't a believer three short months ago.

 
At January 17, 2007 5:51 AM, Blogger J.J. Guerrero said...

I think we all missed something. I didn't expect him to do half the things he's doing now. I figure, second-line pairing, 18-20 minutes a game, maybe 15-20 points for the season. Pleasant surpised indeed.

 
At January 17, 2007 8:27 AM, Blogger Sean Zandberg said...

I have to pat myself on the back somewhat. I knew Bieksa was this good....almost. I was defending him all along when others said bad things about him. He's had so much composure all along, IMO.

 
At January 17, 2007 9:57 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

It's very encouarging for Canucks fans to see the performance of Bieksa this season, but he's still young and we just have to wait and see. There have been numerous young defencemen had a good season or two before failing to secure a regular NHL roster spot. I think Jovo and Bieksa are two different types of players even though both are passionate and physical. Jovo, esp at Bieksa's age, is a great skater and puck carrier. He can be relied upon to help get the game tying goal, and he takes more risks than Bieksa does to generate offense. Defensively, I think Bieksa is probably better. But I remember a moment against St Louis in the playoffs where I watched the game live. Tied 1-1 in the third period, late in the game, Jovo carried the puck into the offensive zone, beat the defense wide along the wing, then cut to the net and scored in close. I don't think Bieska can provide that kind of performance, but I'd be delighted if he proves me wrong.

 
At January 17, 2007 8:56 PM, Blogger J.J. Guerrero said...

Kel - You're absolutely right in that they're different players. Bieksa definitely doesn't take as many high-risk plays as Jovo, but I think that's a good thing.

It'll be interesting to see if he can take yet another step in his game. Especially with Sami Salo's impending free agency, who knows how much more the Canucks expect out of him next season.

What is promising is his age. At 25, he's more mature and can most likely handle the increased scutiny and pressure better.

 
At January 18, 2007 12:24 AM, Blogger Sean Zandberg said...

"Bieksa definitely doesn't take as many high-risk plays as Jovo, but I think that's a good thing."

I agree! The last thing the Canucks need is a D-man who gets caught up the ice.
It's like the Kaberle-McCabe problem in Toronto. They both handlethe puck so well, but will they ever stop getting caught deep in the opposing zone? Yeesh.

Bieksa should make us forget that Salo even exsisted, should Sami leave via free agency. Then Edler will emerge!

 

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