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Through nine games so far, it appears that the absence of one player's anatomy has left a glaring hole in the roster. That piece of anatomy is: Ryan Kesler's butt.
So far this year the Canucks power-play has been pretty ordinary without Kesler's butt planted firmly in front of the net. It seems as though players are more than willing to stand next to the goalie like a kid brother rather than planting themselves in front and taking their beating. The last two seasons' the power-play has clicked at 20-24 per cent. This year, it's going at around 15 per cent. The only thing missing this year over the previous two: Ryan Kesler's butt.
Along with the power-play issues, the Canucks penalty kill has also been sub-par by their standards. In previous years they have killed roughly 85-86 per cent. This year, it currently sits and a measly 76 per cent. Again, the only real change has been no Ryan Kesler's butt.
As you can see, the rumours of Vancouver being a very average team without Ryan Kesler are exaggerated. This team doesn't need Ryan Kesler. This team only needs Ryan Kesler's butt.
Thoughts on the game
- Boy this is one boring team to watch. It seemed like the game plan is get to the opponent's blueline and either dump and change or fire a shot and change. I'm not really digging this ultra-conservative style, but I guess it's working.
- Dubnyk- So I had to listen to the Oilers broadcast crew rave about how Dubnyk was keeping the Oilers in the game. In my opinion, my dead grandmother would have posted a save percentage over .900. Dubnyk was decent last night, but the fact is, he saw pretty well every shot and most of the shots were from 30 feet away; it's an NHL goalies job to make those saves.
- Paajarvi- Wow, just wow. For a player whose been labelled a little soft in the past, Paajarvi sure grew up fast. I thought he was one of the best Oilers on the ice all night. He played physical and used his speed well to create chances. Ballard for Paajarvi anyone?
- Tanev- After nine games, I'm not sure how he doesn't play as much as the rest of the D and how he doesn't see more power-play time. Another great game and he will never have to lie about his first NHL goal. That goal was clutch and a thing of beauty.
-Luongo- He was nothing special last night. The only real highlight moment for me was the penalty shot save on overtime. Other than that save, he stopped the shots he should stop and got beat by a couple of bad bounces and even worse defensive breakdowns. I think we'll see Cory against the Wild.
- Vigneault- God, can you please show a little emotion when the team is playing half ass? Same old head scratching decisions, same old result: the team won.
- The Sedins- once again they were puck position machines. As always they had the opposition pinned deep all night, but after nine games, it's time to start scoring. What I've noticed is it they don't appear to be using the points as much. If they start moving the puck to the D more, that should open up more ice down low and they should start to score again.
- Edler- the most frustrating thing about Alex Edler this season is his play in his own end. Now this wouldn't be so bad if Edler was Mike Green and I expected it out of him, but the fact is Edler has shown in the past he can play D. Now if he would only show it regularly, everything would be fine. More D out of Edler and less showing up on the other teams highlights.
- Higgins- Where the heck is he? Another game, and another no show for Higgins.
- Kassian- I thought things were going well but I guess AV didn't. Who knows what he did, but it looks as though he is back on the third-line. It makes perfect sense to not play your best player through the first eight games, who is also leading the team in goals when you are trailing. Right?
- Schroeder- I think AV may have a new love interest. Does that make AV a cougar? Anyways, another very solid game by Schroeder and it appears for now that he will get his shifts for now.
Canucks 3 Stars
1- Tanev
2- Luongo
3- Bieksa
That’s a wrap.
Ian
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