OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Vancouver Canucks - 2014 - what if Jim Benning never happened? Pt. 2

CanuckJohnny · 04-30-2024, 06:58 PM

CANUCKS in October

Record: 6-6-2, 14 Points, 4th in Pacific

Schedule:
W 5-2 vs CGY
L 9-3 @ CGY
SOL 5-4 @ CAR
W 4-3 @ TBL
SOL 3-2 @ FLA
L 5-2 @ PIT
L 4-1 @ WPG
L 4-2 vs BOS
L 3-2 vs WSH
W 5-3 @ VGK
W 4-2 @ ARZ
W 7-3 vs PIT
L 5-1 vs MIN
W 6-2 vs CHI

Summary:
It was a turbulent first month of the post-Sedin era for Vancouver. After getting off to a promising start against the Cup champions they were brought back to earth by a blowout at the hands of the same Flames. They would go on to win only one of their next eight games and lose first line center and second year sensation Nico Hischier to injury. A late month surge that saw them take four of the last five games has boosted them back into respectability but it will be an uphill battle for this young club. Goaltending has certainly held them back and they are missing Jacob Markstrom who is starring for the Maple Leafs on the other side of Canada. Maybe Demko and DeSmith will both settle in as the season goes along and Demko certainly has the talent to start in this league but like most young goalies there is a learning curve and Vancouver's playoff chances can't afford that curve to last long in Demko's case.

New addition Andre Burakovsky has gelled with Tyler Bertuzzi to form a dynamic duo on the top line, seemingly regardless of who centers them, but the rest of the forwards will need to find more ways to contribute on the score sheet if this team is going to have the scoring depth required for sustained success in this league. Jared McCann has produced only two points through fourteen games after having a 40 point year last season and he will need to figure things out and find his game if he wants to be a part of the solution for this club. 22 year old rookie defenseman Gustav Forsling is looking solid in his first North American season, surprising by taking a roster spot on the big club and fitting seamlessly into the top four, logging minutes on both special teams and producing at a 34-point pace so far. Can he maintain his form for the duration of the gruelling 82 game NHL grind? If so Vancouver may have a diamond in the rough on their hands.

Injuries:
C Nico Hischier OUT 1-2 weeks (Knee)

Goalie Stats:
Demko - 3-4-1, 3.43 GAA, .888 SvPct, -4.03 GSAA
DeSmith - 3-2-1, 3.63 GAA, .879 SvPct, -5.23 GSAA

Player Stats:

04-30-2024, 06:58 PM	#104
CanuckJohnny All Star Reserve Join Date: Apr 2022 Posts: 554	CANUCKS in October Record: 6-6-2, 14 Points, 4th in Pacific Schedule: W 5-2 vs CGY L 9-3 @ CGY SOL 5-4 @ CAR W 4-3 @ TBL SOL 3-2 @ FLA L 5-2 @ PIT L 4-1 @ WPG L 4-2 vs BOS L 3-2 vs WSH W 5-3 @ VGK W 4-2 @ ARZ W 7-3 vs PIT L 5-1 vs MIN W 6-2 vs CHI Summary: It was a turbulent first month of the post-Sedin era for Vancouver. After getting off to a promising start against the Cup champions they were brought back to earth by a blowout at the hands of the same Flames. They would go on to win only one of their next eight games and lose first line center and second year sensation Nico Hischier to injury. A late month surge that saw them take four of the last five games has boosted them back into respectability but it will be an uphill battle for this young club. Goaltending has certainly held them back and they are missing Jacob Markstrom who is starring for the Maple Leafs on the other side of Canada. Maybe Demko and DeSmith will both settle in as the season goes along and Demko certainly has the talent to start in this league but like most young goalies there is a learning curve and Vancouver's playoff chances can't afford that curve to last long in Demko's case. New addition Andre Burakovsky has gelled with Tyler Bertuzzi to form a dynamic duo on the top line, seemingly regardless of who centers them, but the rest of the forwards will need to find more ways to contribute on the score sheet if this team is going to have the scoring depth required for sustained success in this league. Jared McCann has produced only two points through fourteen games after having a 40 point year last season and he will need to figure things out and find his game if he wants to be a part of the solution for this club. 22 year old rookie defenseman Gustav Forsling is looking solid in his first North American season, surprising by taking a roster spot on the big club and fitting seamlessly into the top four, logging minutes on both special teams and producing at a 34-point pace so far. Can he maintain his form for the duration of the gruelling 82 game NHL grind? If so Vancouver may have a diamond in the rough on their hands. Injuries: C Nico Hischier OUT 1-2 weeks (Knee) Goalie Stats: Demko - 3-4-1, 3.43 GAA, .888 SvPct, -4.03 GSAA DeSmith - 3-2-1, 3.63 GAA, .879 SvPct, -5.23 GSAA Player Stats: Attached Images