Rebuilding? You could call it that. The Vancouver Canucks are trying to start from scratch; it has proved to be a very hard task. The team has learned the hard way that a true #1 goaltender is a key to success, which is something the Canucks have not had this season. Will they be able to pick it up or will the GM go in another direction? Only time will tell.
Goaltenders:
Osgood, Chris - N/A - yet to play a game.
Markannen, Jussi - He has played as well as a backup goalie can play. In addition Jussi played back to back games and posted two shutouts. He had been put in-between a rock and a hard place while trying to backup and relive goaltender Marc Denis. In fact, he had better numbers than Denis, especially playing behind the worst d in the league. Grade: B-
Defence:
Berard, Bryan - He has started to improve his game as of late. His expectations are moderate at this point in time. Grade: C
Bouillion, Francis - Has played well as a 6th/7th d-man. Grade: B-
Hulse, Cale - Just like in the NHL, he seems to take the dumbest penalties at the dumbest times. He tends to have a good game and then get injured and he momentum them subsides. Grade: C
Poti, Tom - So far, he's had a lacklustre season when so much was expected from him. The Canucks have vowed to have more patience with him and probably will not rid of his services that easier. To take of the pressure, he has been removed from the top D pairing. Sadly, his minus/plus is worst in the CHPL. Grade: C-
Slegr, Jiri - N/A. Has not had enough ice time.
Sydor, Darryl - The only consistent player throughout the first quarter of the season. He is one of the top 10 d-man in CPHL. His leadership is an asset to the team - a main reason why he was named team captain. His plus/minus is still a depressing sight. Grade: B
Zhitnik, Alexei - Decent. Grade: B-
Forwards:
Barnes, Stu - Plenty of shots on goal, but not enough of them going in. With the amount of experience Barnes has, he is not performing for this team. Grade: C+
Brashear, Donald - On waivers.
Devereaux, Boyd - The only member of the team to have a plus in his stats. This is not surprising though, given that all of his time is on the 4th line. Grade: C
Gagne, Simon - Gagne has played well given the circumstances. He recently came back from a injury and is getting back into the groove. He seems to work well under pressure. Grade: B-
Kilger, Chad - The worst forward on this team, and that's saying a lot. He has been a disappointment. Grade: D
Laperriere, Ian - He is supposed to be a defensive specialist, but he's too busy sitting on his butt in the sin bin. Another huge disappointment. Grade: D+
Messier, Eric - A grinder who has earner his playing time. Grade: B-
Moreau, Ethan - Ethan has been one of the most consistent players on the team. He has remained healthy throughout the first quarter of the season. Grade: B
Neil, Chris - N/A, not enough playing time to judge/
Ott, Steve - had a fast start, but seems to lack a experience. It looks like he may not be sticking with the big club. Grade: C+
Ruutu, Jarkko - A surprise! The agitator has played very well considering the amount of playing time he has. Grade: C+
Sillinger, Mike - This centre knows his role on the team and if he can remain healthy, will prove to be an asset for the future. He has not played enough games for the Canucks to receive a fair assessment.
Tapper, Brad - A decent grinder, who has potted a few goals here and there. He knows what his role is and he has played it will. Grade: B-
GM note:
This season has proved to be frustrating because we can't win. That said, I'm having a great time getting to know the GMs and just chatting with them about the game, different strategies etc. We have a great selection of GMs (IMO)!! Thanks to all of the GMs and the head honchos in charge!!!
Great job everyone!
:tup:
