Abbotsford Canucks | Season Starting

VanJack

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Jul 11, 2014
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Brannstrom probably belongs in the NHL. The fit though is hard. PK duties on Van's left side Forbort and Soucy are needed. I could see a fit with the Wild or Islanders.
I know Ottawa had a tough season last year, but according to Hockey DB, Brannstrom played in 74 and 76 games in his last two seasons there. '

For a guy with a 'bad defensive rap' that's still an impressive number of games. It's not like he was getting scratched for three or four games in a row, during every month of the season.

I agree that he's probably an NHL d-man. It's just finding the right role or him, where he can play sheltered minutes on the defensive side of the puck; and have some free reign out there to use his natural offensive instincts.

Maybe they can figure that out in Abby before he comes up.
 

arttk

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Feb 16, 2006
19,088
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Los Angeles
I know Ottawa had a tough season last year, but according to Hockey DB, Brannstrom played in 74 and 76 games in his last two seasons there. '

For a guy with a 'bad defensive rap' that's still an impressive number of games. It's not like he was getting scratched for three or four games in a row, during every month of the season.

I agree that he's probably an NHL d-man. It's just finding the right role or him, where he can play sheltered minutes on the defensive side of the puck; and have some free reign out there to use his natural offensive instincts.

Maybe they can figure that out in Abby before he comes up.
It should be likely for him to get a game or two at the very least with us.
 

Jay26

Registered User
Jul 13, 2022
2,684
3,442
Kamloops
I know Ottawa had a tough season last year, but according to Hockey DB, Brannstrom played in 74 and 76 games in his last two seasons there. '

For a guy with a 'bad defensive rap' that's still an impressive number of games. It's not like he was getting scratched for three or four games in a row, during every month of the season.

I agree that he's probably an NHL d-man. It's just finding the right role or him, where he can play sheltered minutes on the defensive side of the puck; and have some free reign out there to use his natural offensive instincts.

Maybe they can figure that out in Abby before he comes up.
If we need Forbort for his size and PK prowess, then maybe the best spot for Brannstrom is to play as a LH guy on the right side with him on the 3rd pairing. Sub in Juulsen or Desharnais for him when needed.
 
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F A N

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Aug 12, 2005
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If we need Forbort for his size and PK prowess, then maybe the best spot for Brannstrom is to play as a LH guy on the right side with him on the 3rd pairing. Sub in Juulsen or Desharnais for him when needed.

I read Brannstrom actually likes playing on the right side.
 
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Blue and Green

Out to lunch
Dec 17, 2017
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Good to hear. Now we just wait till news for when they move out a few defenseman.

Can't be having Pettersson and Kudryavtsev playing minimal minutes. Don't want another Travis Green situation.
Pettersson got okay ice time in the first two games. Kudryavtsev was the one who didn't play as much but is clearly showing that he deserves the opportunity to play and develop. There is a wealth of competent AHL defencemen in Abbotsford and the organization will need to make some decisions. (Vancouver switching to 13/8 from 14/7 would be a start.)
 
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VanJack

Registered User
Jul 11, 2014
22,401
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Pettersson got okay ice time in the first two games. Kudryavtsev was the one who didn't play as much but is clearly showing that he deserves the opportunity to play and develop. There is a wealth of competent AHL defencemen in Abbotsford and the organization will need to make some decisions. (Vancouver switching to 13/8 from 14/7 would be a start.)
Unfortunately, 'a wealth of competent AHL defensemen' doesn't necessarily translate into anything.

As we all know, the parent Canucks are paying a steep price for their drafting ineptitude, particularly when it comes to d-men. Every year they have to hit the UFA market and sign a bunch more guys.

Sometimes they work out like Cole and Soucy. Other times like Forbort and Desharnais, the jury is very much still out.

So while Mynio, Kudryavtsev, D-Petey and Wilander are probably showing more promise than any Canuck d-prospects have in years, until they actually arrive, it's going to be a struggle to build a competent blueline at the NHL-level.
 

Blue and Green

Out to lunch
Dec 17, 2017
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Five days after I purchased an annual FloHockey subscription on the opening day of the AHL schedule, suddenly they offer a 15% discount on those. Most curious timing, n'est pas? Probably the AHL and FloHockey discovered that there was a lack of uptake from former AHLtv subscribers at $200 per year. I'm trying to use FH's customer support form (they don't list an email anywhere) to ask about a retroactive discount application but the form won't submit, even though I am using one of the two browsers for which they say their site is most optimized.

They made a big deal of "We have SHL games now!" but you can't watch them in Canada.

EDIT: After getting through to their Customer Support, I received the discount retroactively.
 
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Lindgren

Registered User
Jun 30, 2005
6,293
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Lekkerimaki is not in the lineup.

For the first time (at least I think it's the first time) they're going with six, not seven defensemen. Kudryavtsev and Pettersson are in.

No Lekkerimaki again tonight.

Only six defencemen dressed: Brisebois, Woo, McWard, Pettersson, Kudryavtsev, Hirose.
Beat me by a moment!

Pettersson is paired with Brisebois.

They need to move Wolanin someplace where he can get on the ice.
 

orcatown

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PP moved the puck well but missed some open chances.

Woo is getting lots of time and is the point man on the PP. Wish he could move the puck quicker and more effectively out of his end.

Raty, I think, is struggling. Skating is such an issue.

Kudryavstev showing well and Pettersson better than in preseason IMO
 
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Tables of Stats

Registered User
Nov 1, 2011
4,680
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Vancouver, BC
PP moved the puck well but missed some open chances.

Woo is getting lots of time and is the point man on the PP. Wish he could move the puck quicker and more effectively out of his end.

Raty, I think, is struggling. Skating is such an issue.

Kudryavstev showing well and Pettersson better than in preseason IMO
Raty feels like a player who works well with other players who have NHL-level IQ, but his lack of footspeed might just keep him from sticking at the NHL level.

Tolopilo is a wall tonight. Easy 1st star if we take this one.
 
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WTG

December 5th
Jan 11, 2015
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Tolopilo nice furry of saves.

He's so massive in net looks like Nillson out there.

1729305025938.jpeg
 
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