Frustrating game. Gave it a go and some good individual efforts but little puck luck, poor start and facing a very good net minder. Lightening was there to be had but Canucks lacked much finish and and just don't have enough quality up and down the line up, right now, to get over the top in such games
Good
Miller - team can only mount attacks with him on the ice. Can carry the team only so far.
HIghmore - playing, more and more, a more central role on the team. If nothing else the team has found a good foot soldier in him
Motte - YOU RESIGN THIS PLAYER!!!!! Another excellent effort. After Miller and Garland looked the most likely to score
Garland - have to love the compete. Made things happen almost every shift and too bad on the goal that should have been.
Schenn - provided physical push back all game. Good in his end.
Pearson - thought he played a solid game and helped produce some chances. No star but a positive.
Bad
Hughes - terrible time getting his shot through and terrible start to the game. Don't understand taking him away from Schenn. Why change what was working. Him and Hamonic got obliterated in their opening shifts and Hughes was simply abused. Looked a lot like last year. Again shoddy on the PP.
Chaisson - playing better than he was earlier but still a drag on the team. Should not in the League. If the team could actually find a replacement, who could contribute, it would be an immense upgrade.
Ugly
Boeser - skating was so bad he was getting zone behind the play. Have to suspect he has some groin issues or something. But that doesn't explain the brutal way he gave and received passes.
This player creates a real dilemma. He such a good and honest guy and seems a important glue player off the ice. If you were just wanting to root for a bunch of good guys and not be too concerned about wins and losses, you keep a player like Boeser. Also showing some loyalty to a guy genuinely liked by his teammates might be important in keeping someone like Miller around. However, if you are more concerned about creating a winner then probably Boeser must be gone.
Others
Horvat - at best mediocre. Team needs more out of him if they are going to go anywhere.
OEL - was moving the puck ok in this game but another who needs be better than ok for the team to succeed.
Myers - had chances and some room to make plays from the offensive blue line but didn't. Game lacks much smoothness ATM
Rempel - looked too small and weak to compete at this level. Abby has little to offer in terms of help.
Podkolzin - got the hook after the turnover in the third. However, should have been on instead of Boeser who was never getting the puck out of his end and couldn't provide anything like pressure on the puck.
Hoglander - another who might have provided something if given more of chance.
With the loss team inches closer to the Seller category.
