4 Big Questions facing the Vancouver Canucks in 2020-21
There are four big questions facing the Vancouver Canucks in 2020-21.
The Vancouver Canucks are one of the top Canadian teams in the league, and in an all-Canadian North Division this season, they have the chance to take full advantage and build off their playoff success from last season.
They saw many familiar faces leave in the offseason, like Chris Tanev and Jacob Markstrom. Their offensive depth took a major hit with Micheal Ferland out with injury and Tyler Toffoli signing with the Montreal Canadiens but the Canucks also made some moves of their own.
They brought in Braden Holtby and bolstered their defense with the addition of Nate Schmidt. Nils Hoglander looks like a part of their opening lineup, and all their young stars are a year older.
After a second-round exit at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights, Travis Green and his squad will be looking to go further. Here are four big questions facing this team in the 2020-21 season.
4. Can the young guns take over?
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With Tanev and Markstrom out the door, the Canucks lost a big chunk of their veteran leadership. Tanev was a mentor to Quinn Hughes and was a big part of the rookie’s success. Markstrom was the reason why the team made it that far into the playoffs. Now, it’s up to the Canucks’ young core to take the lead.
It’s important to note that Holtby brings in a ton of veteran leadership and is a Stanley Cup champion who has already become a mentor to Thatcher Demko. However, it’s Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson, Brock Boeser, and Hughes who are expected to be the new generation of leadership for this team. Their top line of Boeser, Pettersson, and J.T. Miller will be facing off against other teams’ first lines all season long and will be expected to be the difference makers. Good thing for them; they are up to the challenge.
Last season was Miller’s first as a Canuck, so they needed time to develop chemistry. This time around, it’s going to be much easier.
“We’re all more mature players than we were the year before. And I think that’s only going to be helpful for us as a hard to play against line.” – J.T. Miller via TSN.
Maturity is going to play a big factor in the 2020-21 season. Rivalries will be heightened, and the importance of each game is magnified. With COVID-19 still a big problem in North America, players are going to need to make personal sacrifices such as cutting down on family time and restricting social interactions to keep their teammates safe. This season is where the character of all NHL teams will be tested.
3. Can their forward depth keep up?
One thing that is very obvious among Canadian teams is that they have incredible amounts of forward depth. Many of these teams have four lines that they can roll out at any time, most notably the Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Winnipeg Jets.
The Canucks have two very talented lines, but their third and fourth lines are where it’s a little less certain. Nils Hoglander has been making a very strong impression at camp, and he can help provide more firepower to their top-six.
In a condensed schedule against the same six opponents, having all four lines being a threat is going to be very important. When the first line isn’t rolling one night, the team relies on the other three to chip in.
A big part that can make up for this is on the man advantage. Last season the Canucks had the fourth-best power play in the league with a success rate of 24.2 percent, the best among the Canadian teams. If they can continue that dominance, it will give them a strong advantage over their opponents this season.
2. Can they find success in the North Division?
With the re-aligned divisions for the 2020-21 season, the Canucks have been placed in an all-Canadian division. Vancouver has not fared well against its Canadian opponents. Last season, they didn’t have a winning record against any of them and in the past three seasons, they have had the worst record against Canadian teams among all teams north of the border.
To add to the pain, their star goaltender Jacob Markstrom left them for the Calgary Flames, a team they will have to face 10 times, including a stretch where they meet for four-straight games. Tyler Toffoli signed with the Montreal Canadiens who they will meet nine times.
With the other six Canadian teams looking like legitimate playoff contenders, this is going to be a very hard-fought season for Vancouver. There is no “easy” team to play against, and every night will feel like a playoff game.
1. Will their goalies step up to the challenge?
This is Thatcher Demko’s first season as a full-time starter, and Braden Holtby is coming off the worst season of his 10-year career. This season is going to be a tough one for both guys as it is a completely unconventional season. The Canucks have seven back-to-backs on their schedule, including four in the first two months of the season. Goalies are notorious creatures of habit, and this season is going to be all but predictable.
The Dallas Stars have had six players and two staff members test positive for COVID-19, and their schedule had to be completely changed. This is the reality for the 2020-21 season, and it will be important for Demko and Holtby to be adaptable.
Next. 4 big questions facing the Calgary Flames. dark
In a condensed schedule, goaltending is the most important position. There is no room for a slump, and the Vancouver Canucks need both of their goalies to be rolling if they want to make it to the playoffs. All the Canadian teams have solid goaltending so it’s up to Demko and Holtby to outperform them.