The joy degree amongst Canucks followers is notably rising. Can this group do issues within the playoffs, they ask?
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Sitting atop the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks have had a outstanding first half to the 2023-24 NHL season.
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They’ve gotten this far with usually strong play, some excellent offensive performances, sturdy goaltending, and an honest dose of luck.
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Good groups make their very own good luck, they are saying.
Saturday is the final recreation in a punishing 27 video games in 53-day stretch for the Canucks. They will sit up for a a lot simpler schedule from now till the tip of the season.
Forward of Saturday’s residence recreation versus San Jose, the Canucks sat on 47 factors, basically midway to the traditional playoff-qualification bar of 95 factors.
Early within the 12 months, they have been handed one of many best schedules within the league, between relaxation and opposition. Since Halloween, they’ve needed to play hockey at a rare tempo, taking part in extra video games in that time-frame than another group.
Canucks Report
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Fatigue itself is a problem, however the Canucks managed to battle their manner by way of it — and right here they’re.
It’s Friday, so let’s take a couple of questions on the state of the Canucks.
The place do you suppose this group wants to enhance to beat the most effective within the league? Suppose Allvin and co. are accomplished with trades? — Rob D. through BlueSky
I don’t suppose they’re accomplished, no. GM Patrik Allvin has discovered from President Jim Rutherford in regards to the thought of getting forward of the market in making trades.
He hasn’t been shy about making strikes.
They actually thought they have been going to signal Ethan Bear, however he ended up in Washington. It’s clear from that, although, that they’re nonetheless after a right-shot defenceman.
There are a couple of choices on the market. The curiosity in Chris Tanev stays. Would possibly they take a look at Matt Dumba in Arizona or Sean Walker in Philadelphia or Brett Pesce in Carolina?
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All are sturdy defenders who can transfer the puck and who’re on expiring contracts — however all carry cap hits within the $4-million vary, so the Canucks must make a concurrent transfer to make all of it work.
They’ve additionally been hoping so as to add a top-six winger for some time. With Andrei Kuzmenko presently a spare half, you’ll be able to’t assist however take a look at him probably being moved to a different group the place he might get a contemporary begin. However together with his $5.5-million contract and his struggles this season, a commerce wouldn’t be straightforward.
That stated, the Canucks have stated they would like to have him discover his manner right here.
I think about the Canucks can have “wholesome Soucy quickly” on their want checklist?
Carson Soucy’s fractured his leg Nov. 12 vs. Montreal. That’s virtually six weeks in the past.
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The Canucks introduced Nov. 15 he’d be out six to eight weeks, so there’s each cause to count on he’ll be again within the lineup quickly.
An eagle-eyed fan noticed him skating at Rogers Enviornment on Friday, so he’s clearly on target for a return quickly.
When Soucy returns, assuming the Canucks’ defence corps stays wholesome in any other case, it is going to be a strong group.
Clearly both Soucy or Ian Cole shall be swapped to the correct. It’s seemingly these two will play as a pair.
And that’s a solid-looking defence corps at that time.
Huge mistake sitting Kuzmenko out once more, for a marginal fourth liner who the opposite evening missed a wide-open internet. Can’t sit pure aim scorers. Discover a manner to assist him enhance defensively, however preserve him within the lineup — Thor M. through TheProvince.com
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The Kuzmenko story actually isn’t going wherever.
He’s being paid to attain, however he’s not scoring.
He had a future to begin the season with Elias Pettersson, however struggled to make an influence.
He has been demoted to mop-up obligation at five-on-five with the fourth line, whereas lining up on the ability play.
Kuzmenko confirmed some promise final week, and he needs to be cleansing up towards the opposition’s lesser gamers.
However within the final two video games Rick Tocchet most well-liked the power and hustle of Phil Di Giuseppe.
They’re two very completely different gamers. Kuzmenko’s strengths embrace a nostril for the online and skill to make fast performs in site visitors. Di Giuseppe is sensible defensively and a ferocious forechecker.
@risingaction.bsky.social
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