2009-2010 record: 49-28-5 (103 points)
Lost to Chicago in Conference Semifinals 4-2
Captain: TBA
Alternate captains: Henrik Sedin, Ryan Kesler
3 players to watch: There is hardly a time when one can mention Henrik and Daniel Sedin as a separate entity. However, when Daniel went down to injury, Henrik stepped up his game to the point of winning the Art Ross and Hart Trophies. Everyone now knows what the Sedins can do as individuals, so now imagine having both on the ice at the same time. Despite backstopping the Canadian National team to a gold medal in the Olympics, Roberto Luongo had a down year. The additional responsibilities that go with the captaincy weighed heavily on him last year, causing an uncharacteristic spike in his numbers. Now that he is no longer captain, expect numbers closer to his standards this year. What should help is the health of the blue line, which should be helped by the addition of Dan Hamhuis. A mainstay on the Nashville blue line for the past few years, he was deemed expendable by the team's ability to churn out NHL level defensemen. Hamhuis figures to be a top pairing player who can provide solid two-way play.
Things to look for: Luongo's down year showed up in the Chicago series, particularly at home. Not having the captain duties and the pressure from Corey Schneider should push him to produce numbers closer to his standards. Offense is no issue, as all six players on the top two lines produced at least 25 goals each. Alex Burrows will miss the first month of the season after off-season shoulder surgery, which should at least open the door for Raffi Torres, who is on a one year tryout. The bottom two lines provide some grit and toughness, and now with Manny Malhotra as third line center, a face-off specialist. Toughness comes in the form of Darcy Hordichuk, Rick Rypien, and Tanner Glass. Injuries struck the blue line last year, with Kevin Bieksa and Willie Mitchell missing significant time. Hamhuis and Keith Ballard haven't missed much time to injuries, which should give the blue line some piece of mind. The problem here: too much depth. If Bieksa isn't traded, then the final spot is pretty much a dog fight between Shane O'Brien, Andrew Alberts, and Aaron Rome. The wild card here is Sami Salo, and whether or not he will be coming back after an off-season injury.
Prediction: 1st in the West
Song: Sonata Arctica-Paid in Full
With all of the additions in the off-season, the Canucks expect to make it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Anything short of that this year would be a less than satisfactory investment.
No comments:
Post a Comment