Don't know if Chicago is that bad or that we are that good, but there were so many positives in this game. Lots of very good efforts and some of best included:
Miller - at times had trouble moving the puck (again I think he has injured hand) but some sick set ups in spite of this. As he begins to ramp up so does the team. Him and rest of PP was looking better in this one
Heinen - not just the goals but his skating and involvement in the play was so much improved. Looked dangerous on many shifts and tons better on the PK. Plays like this and he is going to be a damn big help.
Petterssson - having Garland along side helped. In many cases inches away from completing plays. Thought Pettersson stayed out of traffic better and was seeing the ice better. You can only hope he is finding his game and will build of this effort. If Hoglander can raise his game just a little this line has a chance to be very good.
Hronek - is having an outstanding season to date. Generally, and again in this game, the best two way defenseman on the ice.
Lankinen - maybe a step down from previous games but still he had to be good.
Garland - is there ever game where he isn't good? Supports the play from a wing psoition all over the ice. At this level of play maybe on Team America
Sherwood - kind of Garland lite. Makes smart plays and critical on the forecheck. Always seems in the play
Blueger - thought he was important in elevating play of Heinen. Another night when his work on PK (often a killer for Canuck teams in the past) was important.
Others
Brannstrom - at this point, found money. MIght have tried to use the stretch pass too much but otherwise his mobility was important in getting the puck up ice and through the neutral zone.
Desharnais - one thing you don't want is Desharnais forgetting who he is and pushing the play in the o-zone. Can't recover fast enough and you're almost guaranteeing an odd man rush against you. Shortcomings are obvious but he mostly stayed out trouble in this game
Myer - tough first (think puck bounced on the second goal against) but overall was decent. Helped on the PK.
Suter - looks like he is recovering from injury and getting his game together. Much better on PK and covering the middle in his zone
Hughes - thought he was forcing situations and shot too much. Times when he should just moved the puck rather packing it around. Still he gets 2 assists and is + 3 so maybe just quibbling.
Refereeing in this League is frustrating. Very arbitrary and situational. Call on Hronek appeared an absolute joke. Teravainen should be fined. Also sure glad we moved Mikheyev.