I haven't watched as much hockey over the years as I used to (thanks he who must not be named), but structurally this game gave me a ton of hope for the future. The way the team played reminded me of how they used to play under Vigneault, which is extremely encouraging. Having a competent coach alongside a franchise defensemen, center, and (potentially) goalie is a recipe for finally turning things around.
In terms of the game itself, some notes:
Garland - needs to be put back with Suter. He's not suited for a top line role and is a poor complement to Petey and Kuzmenko. He does shine in a third line ES scoring role, and can give the team the seconardy scoring its needed from the bottom 6 for a while. Mikhayev and Beauvillier should cycle between Suter and Petey depending on chemistry/who's rolling.
Di Guiseppe - has played like a beast at even strength - great compliment to Boesser and Miller and the kind of player the line needs. Its refreshing to not just throw pure offensive guys together all the time and wonder why they can't dig for the puck or are always hemmed in their own zone. Hopefully it's not just a flash in the pan and he's the rare guy that breaks out late in his career - 30 ES points this year and great two way play is a huge win.
Cole - great steadying presence - something the team has sorely missed since he who must not be named stupidly let Tanev go.
Hughes - has stepped his game up somehow, guy looks like he's playing a video game out there with how easily he can skate laps around everyone with the puck on his stick. He's going to win a Norris one day if people stop looking past his size.
Blueger - super impressive. Alongside Suter, gives me hope our bottom 6 is not going to cave the team in like it has in previous years.
I'm getting 2008-2009 Canucks vibes from the team, where it feels like they're going to turn things around with this core of players. Lot of hockey to be played, but for the first time in ages I feel legitimately excited for the season to start.