Rollin' rollin' rollin'
Is it bad that I am not panicking over Roberto Luongo's injury? I mean, I am concerned, but I'm surprised with myself that I am not thinking "END OF THE WORLD" when Sanford had to relieve him, and even the prospect of the Sandman starting the games, obviously, while Lui is out did not cause me distress.
A lot of it has to do with the solid defensive play the team has been demonstrating in their recent string of wins, particularly the ones against the Wild and Penguins.
A lot of people has said that the Canucks can only go as far as Luongo can take them, and really, who will deny them? But with the change in dynamics of the team, you just see a lot more commitment from the team to just play better defensively, and combine it with smart plays offensively. They showed that they can rally around their backup and give him as less work as possible.
I think the balance between the defense and offense has been key. The defense has been given the green light to help around in offense, and this has benefited the Canucks, but the forwards has been diligent in covering for the D when they pinch.
The offense has also been doing better than average. There was a string of games wherein we couldn't score more than 1-2 goals again, but it has been back to 3-4 goals again since Demitra's return.
Speaking of Demitra? Amazing or what? He has scored so much points since his return, and has proved to be a capable linemate for Daniel and Henrik Sedin. That play between the Twins and Demo which lead to the eventual game-winner against Minnesota was fantastic. After nice passing from the Twins, Demo baited Backstrom out of his net before quickly throwing the puck to a waiting Danny. (PS: WTF happened to the Wild D there?!)
Another player I have been pleased with is Shane O'Brien. Well, he has been better than I expected since the trade. He had a rocky start, obviously, but that's just because he was suffering major jetlag and learning a new system. Ever since he has settled in, he has shown just how committed he is to the team. He'll give anyone shit if you mess with any Canuck. He knows his role on the team and plays it well.
Of course I want to see him cut down on minor penalties which is really my only problem with him. Defensively, he's been solid. I don't get scared as much when he's on the ice against another team's top player because he uses his size effectively against them.
Two more reasons why I am loving him?
He can DANGLEZ and FIGHT.
I was just laughing so hard during the Rangers game when Voros sort of fell over Roberto Luongo and SOB just laid on top of him for a long time and the refs eventually gave him 2 minor penalties... I can totally imagine what he is telling Voros, and everytime I do, I just burst out laughing. XD For a guy with a baby face, he is pretty scary. Haha.
Anyway, the two players I have been disappointed with is Sami Salo and Alex Edler.
Come one you two. You are in my top 5 favorite Canucks, and I have always been impressed with your defensive and offensive plays, but what is up with you two lately?!
Well, okay Salo is injured and that's what's up, but Edler?!
His sophomore year reminds me of Kevin Bieksa's sophomore year last year. Like heart-attack inducing scary.
He does not get his point shots through at all... and what's worse is that it's usually getting blocked which causes an odd man rush the other way... he has made a lot of boneheaded plays, too, in his own zone. When I look at Edler right now, I just see him going on cruise control. It's like he is just coasting through.
He is supposed to be higher than O'Brien on the depth chart, but the way I see it, SOB has been much more impressive on both ends of the ice than Edler. I hate that since he has been fantastic the past couple of seasons.
As for Salo? Yeah. Just weak on the puck this year. He's getting pushed around so much and just generally looks weak. But it's Salo. I was at least counting on him for his booming shot, but that's been gone, too.
Anyway, in general, the Canucks has been playing well. The D who stepped up for the injured players, Nycholat and Davison has not been costly, the offense is back, and the team loves each other.
Who else loved the WOOOOOOOOOOOOs at the end of the Minny and Pens game?
OHHHHHHH Yeah.
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