Outside of some periods of play in the second, the Canucks were the better team. Fact Canucks lack scorers was evident in this one.
The Good
Megna - nice goal and setting up others all game. Showed some very good wheels and nice hands. Earning himself an extended look.
Edler - yes, he screwed up in the late going but overall was very good. Did a good job of handling people around the net and filling the defensive space given up by Stecher. Moved the puck with authority out of his end. No huge Edler fan this season but he was our strongest defenseman in his end in this game. First period was outstanding.
Horvat - nice two way game. Looking better on the PK
Burrows - right back to being the Burrows of couple of seasons ago. Plays hard everywhere and unlucky not to score. Might think of reuniting him with the Sedins as he seems our best winger ATM. Don't know that Canucks would do it, but if they are looking to move Burrows late in the season, any contender should be all over this as he would be an excellent playoff pick up.
The Bad
Gaunce - I guess if you have below zero expectations you can say he's somehow ok. Can't skate well enough to be any part of the play. Max length of time he has continuous control of the puck this season maybe two second. Skates around, sometimes bounces into opponents but never does much of anything. Others like Chaput and even LaBate have done more. For that matter, Megna in one game has done more offensively than Gaunce has all season. Why we keep him around and ignore far better players on waivers is mind blowing.
Granlund - probably the our worst player in this game. Sort of disappearing into the ether as the season has gone on. Only thing that stood out in this game was the way he consistently lost battles for the puck. (especially on the second Dallas goal) If this player isn't skating well (which he isn't) then a marked liability. Right now looks slow and weak. Maybe he has to play center.
Others
Tryamkin - Sbisa combo was again at least decent. If they can keep up the hard nosed play will be difficult to play against. I think Sbisa is firmly establishing the fact that he is a legit NHL defenseman. Canucks have to get something for him rather than watching him go away for nothing in the expansion draft. Have to love the way Tryamkin easily bumped Benn off the puck a couple of times.
Sedins had a better game. One factor for this seemed that the Dallas defensemen (and some of them are bad) were easily giving up the blue line and space in their end. There were times the Sedins very much exploited this line couldn't put away their chances.
Thought Eriksson play fell off in this game and he reverted to how he has looked most of the season. OK in the first but not much of factor after that
Chaput had his good moments but seemed to tail off as the game went on. Doubt he is used to getting this amount of high level playing time. Looks like he is working extremely hard and may be difficult for him to maintain that level of play.
If you are on board the tank cart, you probably like this loss. Such our the times.