By Sportsnet Connected /
As the National Hockey League season rolls on, Sportsnet Connected analysts weigh-in on how some of the Canadian teams are faring.
Vancouver Canucks
By Dan Murphy /
After 19 games, the Vancouver Canucks find themselves one spot out of the playoffs, but considering the injuries they have endured, that’s not bad.
In a 7-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks, the Canucks had $20 million plus out of the lineup with Robert Luongo, Daniel Sedin, Pavol Demitra and others sidelined.
Luongo, who was sidelined with a broken rib, returned Nov. 10 to backup Andrew Raycroft.
Unfortunately, the Canucks’ worst nightmare occurred when Raycroft surrendered four first period goals, forcing Luongo into the net despite having only one practice under his belt.
Luongo surrendered two goals in his first action since Oct. 27.
The injuries have forced Canucks head coach Alain Vigneault to use a defensive game plan for the foreseeable future.
Daniel Sedin is set to return to the lineup soon which should provide a big boost to the team.
Edmonton Oilers
with Gene Principe
Rogers Sportsnet Connected reporter Gene Principe provides the grim reality of a team stung by the flu bug as the Edmonton Oilers have a number of players in sickbay.
“The Oilers are sick and tired and it’s only the second month of the regular season,” said Principe. “The Oilers have been ravaged by the flu. Ales Hemsky, Lubomir Visnovsky, Glibert Brule and Mike Comrie have all missed game action because of it. In fact, Ladislav Smid tested positive for the H1N1 virus and missed a practice but no game action.”
According to Principe, the one area that is a concern has been getting offence other than the first line.
“With Dustin Penner and Ales Hemsky on the wings, Shawn Horcoff and Sam Gagner have alternated in the middle of the two with success,” said Principe. “When the first line isn’t scoring, Edmonton must get more goals from their other lines.”
The lack of offence hasn’t been helped out by the fact that Edmonton’s 53-point defenceman from last season, Sheldon Souray, hasn’t played since game three of the season when he suffered a concussion.
Calgary Flames
with Peter Loubardias
As the voice of the Flames, Rogers Sportsnet’s Peter Loubardias knows what he is talking about when he refers to them as a work in progress—a work in progress with a four-game winning streak to start the month of November.
Peter has the highest praise for new head coach Brent Sutter.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed Sutter’s no nonsense approach and, most importantly, his ability to teach the game to both veterans and rookies alike. He is trying to instill a work ethic that makes this team a tough opponent each and every night.”
Loubardias also has glowing words for the emergence of Rene Bourque.
“The right winger has been this team’s best forward night in and night out, averaging more than a point per game. In my mind, he is on the verge of becoming a premier power forward in the league.”
Toronto Maple Leafs
with Doug Maclean
When Hockeycentral analyst Doug MacLean last spoke about the Toronto Maple Leafs, their confidence was at an all-time low. MacLean pointed directly to the lacklustre goaltending as the main culprit. Fast-forward to mid-November and the Leafs have picked up at least a point in seven of their last eight games.
“Toronto’s confidence began with Joey MacDonald’s performance against the Canucks,” said MacLean. “MacDonald’s strong play gave the Leafs the faith in their netminding and they were right in the game till the end.”
That momentum was buoyed by Jonas Gustavsson’s performance in Anaheim for the Leafs’ first win of the season. Gustavsson was the main reason they were able to garner a point in each of the overtime losses to Dallas and Buffalo.
“The psyche of the team improved once they got solid goaltending,” said MacLean. “That confidence has created one of the best powerplays in the league. Now they have to find a way to play five-on-five.”
Ottawa Senators
with Ian Mendes
Sitting on the sidelines, Senators’ reporter Ian Mendes is happy with the solid start the Senators have had on the young season.
“Head coach Cory Clouston’s success when he took over in the second half of last season has clearly carried over into the new season.”
On the offensive side, Mendes sees positives in the work of second liners Jason Spezza and Milan Michalek.
“Spezza hasn’t scored a goal but is playing inspired hockey, playing in all three zones and even killing penalties. Meanwhile, Michalek is playing up to his capabilities since and is developing a real chemistry with Spezza.
“After missing the playoffs last season, this group looks to be poised to challenge for a playoff spot in the tough Eastern conference.”
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