Another flat effort. Really a game between two teams going nowhere this season with plenty of iffy play from both sides. However, there is some significance for the Canucks in terms of evaluating where this team is at, and the direction they need to go in. Any belief that this team, as it is, is close to competing in any kind of meaningful way has to be deep-sixed. Management must, as they apparently originally intended to do, look to a rebuild. There is not enough on the farm or in the system to make that happen in any immedaite way. So you are going to have to move out people to get the draft choices or younger talent needed. That may make for some brutal times in the near years, but at least you can have the hope for the future.
As it is, the whole situation is getting so dysfunctional and frankly inadequate that even if they are able to eke out a few more wins, the team, as constituted, is going no where either in the short term or the long term. Given that, they might as well look to improving their chances long term by disregarding the short term. The BLOW UP option has to be on the table.
On the game
Demko wasn't good enough. Looked shaky all game and was fighting the puck some.
Boeser had a great chance at the end of the second but just drove it into the goalie. This is supposed to be is bread and butter but rarely do we see him beating anyone from any distance. 3 - 1 would have huge going into the third.
Miller made an effort and looked a little better. But, like the rest of the season, something is always missing - especially with his passing.
Pettersson finally shot the puck and actually scored. But so passive. Almost seems to aplogize when he does score. That, or he let's out a huge sigh, as though some weigth had been lifted off him. You wonder if he has any fun, at all, playing the game.
Forbert and Desharnais still backing off the line allowing open rushes into their end but they were decent around their net and got the puck moved up ice better than usual. Got to consider the opposition but damn it would be great if these guys started doing enough to be tradeable. That's unlikely but someone might be looking for depth.
One of Hughes worst games. Did, however, make some good set ups. Has so little to play with.
Have to say that this season, given the expectations, is one of the most depressing. And given the history of this franchise that's saying something.
