Canucks deserved to win so there's that. But with the playoffs no where in any kind of realistic sight, these points are only draft lottery killers. I know that is a constant theme but how else can you see the situation. Be a lot better for Canuck fans if the team just went out and blew out the other team rather than tease you that we are going to lose and then snatch that hope away with comebacks. I know the irony is huge but that is, again, where we are
The Good
Tanev - broke up so many plays around the net. Without him there is no chance for the comeback tie. Right now, with Horvat, the best player on the team.
Boucher - has some nice attributes. Deft with the stick to maneuver puck in traffic, quick accurate shot, good burst of speed, ability to find space and seemingly a nose for the net. Shows potential to score but will need to be with talent. Should be tried with the Sedins IMO. He might be better than Granlund at least in a wing position. Glad Boucher is getting the full look
Baertschi - had some nice jump. Work ethic remains excellent.
Sutter - game in, game out he is putting in a good effort. Shows high level speed and shows it going on attack or getting back in his end. A character player. Season he is having (after a so-so start) is making contract look more acceptable.
Stecher. there are times, in his own end, when you can see the long season wearing on him. But you always a want the puck on his stick b/c he is so smart with it. Probably the one player on the team that can get you most excited with the puck. Loaded up that late shot well and really drove it home.
The Not So Good
Chaput - after a good run fell off in this game. Weakest player on his line and just not there to take adavantage of some of the good body work of Biega and Cramarossa.
Granlund - got off a couple of shots but was mostly MIA. Weak in his own end.
Gaunce - consistently getting the puck knocked off his stick and not able to complete a pass. Looked clumsy at times. People seems to be looking for anything to praise this player for (like getting a shot on goal or forcing the play) but he is doing nothing with the puck. Lack of any offensive contribution is simply not good enough for this level. (even the little talent enforcers have some offense) Had problems with coverage in his end as well which the -2 attest to. Excuse time will soon be over for Gaunce.
Other Points
Miller was second best goalie in this game. Think you can criticize his play on Montreal OT winner and especially the third goal in this game. I see him flagging at pucks that are going off net and pulling himself to one side or the other. If he stays home in the middle of his crease rather than lurching after wide shots neither of those goals goes in. Might have won this game with Bachman in the net.
Don't know what Canucks had pre-game but this was one of their most physical efforts of the season. Surprised that the Islanders (who looked pretty docile overall) didn't have much push back.
The Islanders are team that Canucks don't want to become. Maybe good enough to creep into the playoffs (and quickly be out) or narrowly miss them and looking nothing like ever being a contender. (and say good bye to Tavares soon enough b/c of that). Deals like the one for Ladd, like our deal for Eriksson (are we missing him at all???), are big steps toward the mid-pack spin cycle and hopefully the Canucks has learned its lesson.
