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NHL Power Rankings: Week 9 Injuries, Prospects, In-Depth Analysis

By Matt Duscharme

Dec 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and left wing Carl Hagelin (62) congratulate a goal by defenseman Justin Schultz (middle) against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin (71) and left wing Carl Hagelin (62) congratulate a goal by defenseman Justin Schultz (middle) against the Ottawa Senators during the second period at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL Power Rankings: The Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal by Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Canucks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
NHL Power Rankings: The Vancouver Canucks celebrate a goal by Vancouver Canucks center Henrik Sedin (33) during the third period at Prudential Center. The Devils defeated the Canucks 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Previous Ranking: 26 (-1)

Team Record: (11-13-2)

Goals For: 57

Goals Against: 77

Special Teams

PP: 11-for-75 (14.7 percent) (24th)
PK: 11-for-70 (84.3 percent) (8th)

Injury List

Alexander Edler (finger) – Late-December/Early-January
Derek Dorsett (shoulder) – will undergo surgery, out indefinitely
Jannik Hansen (ribs) – could be available on Canucks upcoming road trip
Chris Tanev (foot) – out indefinitely, not expect to return for upcoming road trip
Anton Rodin (knee) – Day-to-Day
Philip Larsen (upper body) – was released from hospital on Wednesday, awaiting further details

Statistical Leaders in 2016-17

Top Forward: Daniel Sedin/Henrik Sedin (26gp 8g 9a 17pts/26gp 7g 10a 17pts)
Top Defenseman: Ben Hutton/Luca Sbisa (26gp 3g 4a 7pts/26gp 0g 7a 7pts)
Top Rookie: Troy Stecher (17gp 1g 5a 6pts)
Top Goaltender: Ryan Miller (5 wins 2.73GAA .911 save percentage)

Player of the Week: F Daniel Sedin/Henrik Sedin (3gp 2g 1a 3pts)

It was another disappointing week for the Vancouver Canucks. They went 1-2-0 in their three games, but at least they got some revenge on the Maple Leafs in a 3-2 shootout win on Saturday.

Again, the Canucks are still struggling to score goals. On the bright side, the Sedin twins had a productive week, which is hopefully a sign of things to come. But as many suspected, this team is struggling with secondary scoring. I thought a guy like Anton Rodin might help a lot in that regard. 26 games though and Rodin is still on the shelf with no immediate return in sight.

A guy that is expected to return soon is Jannik Hansen. He has missed the last 14 games, but had a decent start back in October posting two goals, four assists in the first 12 contests. At the very least, Hansen should be able to help in the secondary scoring department. All Vancouver needs to do now is get Bo Horvat rolling again after a quiet week.

Weekly Prospect Profile: G Thatcher Demko, Utica (AHL)

2016-17 stats: 6-4-1 2.52GAA .911 save percentage

Widely regarded as the top goaltending prospect in hockey, Thatcher Demko is off to a hot start in his first year of pro. He has a winning record thus far with solid numbers and gives hopes to a Canucks fan base that needs something to hold on to right now. We’re not just looking at a future NHL starter here, we’re talking about a guy with a legitimate shot at being one of those elite netminders. Let’s just hope Jim Benning doesn’t screw things up too badly.

– Ryan Ritchie

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