GDT: [GM35] Canucks vs Sharks | Sat. Dec 23rd, 7pm | HNIC/SNP | 'Tis the Season...to be #1

[thecupismine]

https://x.com/mikekellynhl/status/1738260699350991065?s=46&t=P7Xz4sPwXBmtknLxtkRYtA

Fits the eyes test too

They allow a lot of shots from perimeter but they also rarely allow odd men rushes

Nah, but we're constantly being outshot, out-chanced, and outplayed according to the "advanced" stat guys! This surely can't be correct!

I swear if people who said "under the hood" actually went under the hood with data like this there'd be way fewer stupid stats argument. Stupid stats arguments gets clicks and engagement though, so my hopes aren't high.

Loving the improved defensive structure team-wide - team is converting way more off-nights into Ws this year because they can trust the system to put in the work. Guys don't have to put in herculean efforts & score 5+ just to secure a W anymore (although they've been doing a fine job of that anyways).

Hopefully today the PP gets back into form. Playing against a bad Sharks team should be a confidence boost for the boys if they can pot a couple here.

 

[Ozone]

Finally, Kuz back where he should be. Watch that line put up a few points tonight.
Let's go into the Christmas break with a W.

 

[Mr. Canucklehead]

Hope he just leaves Kuzmenko there to get some chemistry and some rhythm. Petey needs a skilled finisher on his line.

 

[Skallagrim]

I could have watched the 10-1 game live for $35, didn't go.

I paid $85 for the 4-3 loss game...

Please don't lose this one.

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

You kind of wonder with Christmas around the corner, and the Canuck players only having been home a day..what their focus is going to be like.

At this time of year, I always think that the visiting team has the advantage..no distractions..It is what it is.

Hopefully, another Canucks win.

 

[wonton15]

Kuzmenko Petey Mikheyev line combine for 9 points tonight

 

[geebster]

Kuzmenko Petey Mikheyev line combine for 9 points tonight

Then Kuzmenko is on the ice for an extra 3 seconds after recording his double hattrick and is benched again.

 

[Bourne Endeavor]

I do like Tocchet immediately giving Kuz a sink or swim moment. Best way to hopefully get him out of whatever funk is going on is putting him back on Petey's line.

Way I see it, we ride out that top line through most of January and if Kuz isn't producing, then we have to explore trade options.

 

[alternate]

Having lost to the Sharks will hopefully help avoid a letdown in this game.

Excited to see Kuze back with EP. The roster looks "right" with those two together.

 

[rypper]

Studnicka revenge night.

Just kidding, let's get the win go into the break on a high.

 

[Vector]

 

[logan5]

Every time I think the team is going to win, they end up losing. Anyways, this team has that show up every night mentality, so I would expect that this being the last game before the break, they are going to give a good effort and come away with a victory. The 3rd line has been carrying the team lately so I’m predicting the Miller Pettersson lines show up big tonight.

 

[Vector]

The only coaching decision that I really didn't like was sitting Kuzmenko against the Sharks last time. Felt like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Moving Kuzmenko back to Pettersson's wing and giving him back his #1 unit PP time feels a lot like when coaches get a new player and immediately put them in a spot to succeed; confidence building maneuver. Also helps that he's pretty essential to the flow of the PP.

As a greater critique on the powerplay, I'd like to see them get away from the Pettersson one-timers from the face-off dot. They are a nice idea but he misses so often and they tend to lead to the puck clearing the zone. This PP is deadly when it maintains possession and constantly flow.

 

[ChilliBilly]

finally. We need Kuz to be part of this team, for sure in the top 6, and glad to see him pack with EP.

I don't mind giving Kuz a spanking now and then to get him with the program, but I don't agree with sitting him for 3 games. EP is a better player with Kuzmenko on his line. Hell, I would rather pull Mik of the line 1st.

Please win this one in a Christmas style present to all us faithful.

Come all us faithful, glorious and triumphant, oh come ye oh come ye all over the sharks.

 

[Zippgunn]

Feels like this game is going to be closer than it should be.

Me too; Demko will definitely get the start and he needs to play just a bit better, especially when it counts.

 

[Peen]

One must think this game will be very important for Kuzmenko.

I wouldnt read too much into a good performance against SJ but I would absolutely read a lot into a bad one

 

[Vector]

 

[Flik]

We're taking this one with authority

 

[Billy Kvcmu]

feels like another slow start, hopefully im wrong

hope kuz score some goals

 

[overboard]

Classic trap game. Sharks have been playing better of late.

4-5-1 in their last 10.

If our guys work for it, we should win this one. If we snooze on it…

Just the return of Kuz should help counteract that. Smart move by the coaching staff.

 

[platotld]

Beyond the game tonight, it's last chance to wish you all happy Holidays, Merry Chirstmas or what ever you do, have a good one and be back next week.

Go Canucks

 

[Canuckle1970]

With all the travel they've done, just the past week alone,, they might not have a lot of zip tonight. But I hope that a rested Kuz can bring his energy and spark the team to a win. It's a Christmas wish. HO HO HO !

 

[Hammer79]

Classic trap game. Sharks have been playing better of late.

4-5-1 in their last 10.

If our guys work for it, we should win this one. If we snooze on it…

Just the return of Kuz should help counteract that. Smart move by the coaching staff.

I think it's more a case of their opponents taking them lightly and taking the night off for a lock game, only to get outworked. The Sharks are still terrible, but that doesn't mean you can coast against them.

 

[StreetHawk]

With all the travel they've done, just the past week alone,, they might not have a lot of zip tonight. But I hope that a rested Kuz can bring his energy and spark the team to a win. It's a Christmas wish. HO HO HO !

They did stay overnight In Dallas after the game. Think teams do that if they have another road game afterwards as I think most often if they have a home game they head out afterwards.

Should treat tonight as a road game for preparation when it came to flying out, sleeping, practice.

 

[Pastor Of Muppetz]

Vegas lost..If the Canucks win tonight,doesn’t that put them in top spot?