FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME
1 More Sedins ice time sustainable?
In three games without the injured Bo Horvat, the Canucks are 0-3 and more has been asked of Henrik and Daniel
Sedin. Henrik logged 18:55 Monday in Winnipeg and 18:22 and 16:03 respectively in previous outings. He’s averaging 14:42 this season. Daniel logged 18:38 Monday and 17:08 and 16:16 in his previous outings. He’s averaging 14:28. They aligned as the more effective trio with Brock Boeser against the Jets. Simply put, can they keep it up?
2 Time for Goldobin pop quiz
Travis Green needs to establish the right culture. No roster entitlement in his world. He needs to teach, be tough and also give young players some rope. Nikolay Goldobin’s practice habits have come into question as has the way he processes the game. But you can’t teach talent. He sprung Boeser for his second goal in Nashville. The Canucks have scored just four goals in the last three games and the status quo isn’t working.
3 Clean up crease, or change it?
Jacob Markstrom allowed five goals on 24 shots and that’s a bad trend. When the Canucks lock it down in shot suppression, he doesn’t respond. In facing less than 30 shots, he’s 2-9-2 with a 2.92 goals-against average and .883 saves percentage. In facing more than 30 shots, Markstrom is 6-1-1, with a 1.99 GAA. and .944 saves percentage.
4 Virtanen starting to get it
Jake Virtanen is big, fast, can be physically imposing and has an underrated shot. The winger is also getting better at taking pucks to the net because speed allows him to gain a step and lower-body strength allows him to lean on defenders He can cause havoc, draw a penalty or create a rebound even if he doesn’t score. He took the scenic route around the net in Winnipeg. That can’t happen. He’s got to have a net presence.
5 Winning the circle game
The injured Horvat (52.4%) and Brandon Sutter (51.9) are good in the faceoff circle. Their defensive-zone faceoffs presence is missed. Henrik Sedin (46.8) and Alexander Burmstrov (48.1) aren’t nearly as effective and must be better tonight.