In just about every one of these vignettes, we have spoken about the team's inability to put the puck in the net. And that is what ultimately separates the next 6 teams from the rest: scoring. When other teams are content to take shots hoping they go in, the big 6 rip shots knowing that they will go in (unless of course we're dealing with the Devils, but even they have seen improvement since Kovie came to town).
And this is what gives the Canucks a chance in the West: their deep scoring stable. Six players currently have more than 20 goals this season and three of those are above the 30 goal mark, with another knocking on the door. And when you consider the fact that Pavol Demitra (20 goals in 2009) is just getting back into the lineup after missing several months of the season, the team currently sports seven solid goal scorers. You can practically smell the concern-expelled soil in the undies of Chicago's crease.
But what about Vancouver's defense? Does it have enough to get to a Stanley Cup? Passed Chicago, San Jose, or the gatekeeper of the West, Detroit (their current first-round matchup)? In the case of the Vancouver, a good offense makes the best defense. For while they keep their opponents to under 30 shots per game, they are still allowing goals. In fact, in their last 11 games, the Nucks have allowed 35 goals (allowing more than 3 goals a game is a definite cause for concern). Not exactly the defensive confidence that one looks for leading up to the playoffs. And while we were all amazed by Roberto Luongo's efforts in the playoffs once he took over the for the Living Legend, his efforts have been anything but extraordinary this season, as he is nowhere near the top 10 in either goals against or save percentage. And it appears that he is only good when in British Columbia.
And that's just it. The Nucks seem to just be a little too soft to get it done in crunch time. They allow soft goals, the Sedins can be bumped off their game, and they are fatally mediocre when away from Vancouver. Sure, they've got some goon power in the likes of Hordichuk and Tanner Glass, tasked with protecting the Sedins, but it takes a lot more than the ability to take a punch to win on the road in April and May. If their top flight scoring continues, then they have a chance, but considering their road follies, poor penalty kill, and goaltender inconsistency, the Canucks could very well be sent packing in round 1.
Players to Watch:
Sedin 1 and 2 -Although he had to suffer through the first month or so of the season without his brother, Henrik has still amassed well over 100 points this season. Daniel, on the other hand, even with missing nearly 20 games, has put up almost 80 points. These cats were meant for each other and work better than any other tandem in hockey. They no where each other will be at all times, and it is a pleasure to watch. Here's hoping they backcheck as well as they possess the puck.
Ryan Kesler - Remember him? US Olympic team stud and the best non-Sedin on the Canucks. There's not much to dislike about Kesler's game; he scores, he makes plays, and he even fights on occassion. In other words, he does it all for Vancouver's second line. While you can always count on the Sedins for production, it is Kesler that has deepened the Nucks attack and made them a deeper team and in doing so, has made them a Stanley Cup contender.
Mason Raymond - This young star has finally emerged thanks to the prolonged absence of Pavol Demitra and has made the Nucks an even deeper squad. With over 20 goals and 20 assists, if Raymond can maintain his production, then he makes Vancouver a 3-lines deep team that can score throughout the game and cause problems for more shallow, older squads... Like Detroit.
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