Vancouver Canucks: 3 Reasons They’ll Continue to Defy Expectations
Heading into the 2017-2018 season, there was not a lot of hype surrounding the Vancouver Canucks. However, they have defied expectations. Here are three reasons they’ll continue to do so.
This Vancouver Canucks team is a bit difficult to analyze due to the fact that there’s no clear-cut reason for their success. It can be argued that their winning record is a direct result of their determination to prove analysts wrong.
However, even if that was part of it, skill must be a factor. And an important one, too. Considering the fact that they didn’t change much over the offseason, there was no logical reason for this good start.
Through some further analysis of the team, their players, and their system, there have been three things that stand out. These will be the reasons the Canucks will be able to keep up their good start.
1. The Coaching of Travis Green
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During the Canucks’ long offseason, they decided that to change things up, they would hire a new head coach. A former player, Green was an obvious choice for the job.
His new system is one that focuses more on speed, which plays to the strengths of the types of players on the roster. One of the marks of a good coach is knowing how to tailor the system to the players.
This is something Green has done quite well. And considering that’s something that won’t change, this good record should remain intact.
2. Collective Effort
While it may seem a bit harsh to single out a specific team for reference, there isn’t a better example than the Washington Capitals…of what not to look for in a roster.
The Capitals boast one of the most impressive players in the league- Alex Ovechkin. However, that hasn’t gotten them very far. In fact, it hasn’t even gotten them past the second round.
Meanwhile, Canucks can make claim to having a roster where the scoring is dispersed amongst all the players (or at least most of them). That’s what makes a team consistent, and fortunately for Vancouver, they hold claim to that important factor.
3. Ability to Fight Injuries
It’s, unfortunately, an inevitable part of every sport. Players will get injured, no matter how much protection they have.
Recently, the Canucks saw Chris Tanev sidelined with an upper-body injury. Luckily for them, he returned Thursday night against the Anaheim Ducks.
However, they still have goaltender Anders Nilsson out due to his wife having a baby. They also have defenseman Troy Stecher out day-to-day because of his knee. And lastly, Loui Eriksson should be back in a few weeks, also because of his knee.
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Powering through such injuries is a testament to their character. When they get those players back, they will be even better. But for now, they should concentrate on everything they’ve been doing right.