Canucks are playing extremely hard under Coach Green. He's getting a lot from this team. And it really seems like everyone on the team gets along.
Boeser- what more to say, he's a pure sniper. You give him a clean look and he's almost unstoppable.
Baertschi- Not only is he making plays offensively, his defensive awareness is maturing. One play, he skated miles to come back and poke a puck away from the high slot.
Sutter, Gaunce - Potentially 2/3 rds of a very good checking line. Gaunce is so smart. Yeah his finish is clearly lacking. Watch him forecheck and he almost always takes the shortest route. Turns a lot of pucks over and can develop into a very good 2 way player.
Vanek- quietly producing at a very good rate. Just really skilled. Yeah he's never going to win the selke, but this signing has really increased our team's skill level when he's playing in our bottom6. The main offense facilitator on our 2nd pp unit.
Eriksson - like I said in another post, even though the signing was a mistake, he can still be a useful player. When he's playing with pace and going to the net, another luxury to have in your bottom 6.
Both Vanek/Eriksson used to be 1st line players, now in our bottom 6. Canucks offensive depth underrated.
Defense:
Edler- Got to give him some credit, been better in the last 2 games. Battle level is higher. Still too slow to pucks. Basically everything is a bit too slow with this player. And overcompensates by trying to play goalie. That blast by Boeser was a hell of a shot, but the pass from Edler was placed right in his sweet spot.
Pouliot - Clearly needs work defensively especially along the boards. But his ability to make plays with the puck and ability to create offense is very good. I think if you pair him up with a very stable (not Edler) dman on the left side, he has potential to be a consistent top 4.
Hutton- I see posters suggesting we trade this player. I think that will be a big mistake. Just a horse back there. Yeah he still makes mistakes but its much less than when he was a rookie. The fact he's able to keep his head above water playing with Gudbranson is impressive. 6'3 and skates like the wind. This player has a lot of upside. Imo, you pair Hutton with Tanev for the future, and if Hutton's offensive game breaks out, could be an excellent pairing.
MDZ- he was very good earlier in the season, but last few games the bad MDZ is showing up. Still moves the puck well, but quite a bit of mental mistakes.
Biega- he's always decent. His motor never stops and he's perfect as a bottom pairing or 7th D.
Nilsson - perfect definition of a good "blocking" goalie, literally blocks pucks by being a giant. Deserves more starts.
