With two of the most talented hockey playing brothers and perhaps the best goalie in the world, the Vancouver Canucks have finally developed into the top-caliber team they’ve been hoping to see for a couple seasons now. One of the most complete teams from top to bottom,the Canucks play great defense, get great goaltending and have a very capable offense.
Offense: A+
When Daniel Sedin broke his leg early in the season, alot of folks considered the Canucks’ chances at a highly successful season minimal at best. His twin brother Henrik had something to say about it, however, and quickly put to rest any thoughts that he couldn’t be productive without his brother by rocketing to the top of the league in scoring. When Daniel returned, the twins just kept on rolling. Adding to the Canucks’ effectiveness up front is the emergence of Alexander Burrows and Ryan Kesler as offensive threats, and not simply defensive specialists. Both players have broken the 60 point plateau for the first time in their careers.
Defense: B+ The Canucks are among the top 10 teams in fewest goals allowed, and a large reason for that is gold medal winning goaltender Roberto Luongo. However, Vancouver has a very good group of tough, physical veterans on their blueline that should give them a solid edge in the playoffs. Christian Ehrhoff leads the team’s defensemen with a +31 rating, and contributes offensively as well, with 14 goals and 41 points. Willie Mitchell and Kevin Bieksa are both big guys that can clear the front of the net and make life easier for their world class goaltender.
Goaltending: A The Canucks’ goaltending situation is never in doubt, when Luongo is healthy. Backup Andrew Raycroft has proven he’s more than serviceable, with a 2.21 GAA in the starts he made while Luongo was hurt. However, come playoffs, Luongo won’t get much rest. With 38 wins, a 2.55 GAA and a .913 save percentage, he’s once again among the league’s elite goalies.
Special Teams: C+ Alex Burrows and Ryan Kesler are two of the league’s top two way players, so it’s a bit surprising to see the Canucks’ penalty kill ranked in the bottom half of the league. At only 81.7%, Vancouver will have to do better than that if they want to be able to stay competitive against teams with lethal powerplays like San Jose and Washington. Interestingly enough, the Canucks have the 2nd best powerplay in the Western Conference, so if they can bump up their penalty killing abilities just a bit, they’ll most likely have an edge on whatever opponent they draw.