The 2020-2021 season for the Vancouver Canucks was a strange one, thanks to Covid-19. The team had a number of games moved due to players and staff testing positive. Most of the team and coaching staff were back in by the time April came, and they appeared to be on their way to having a chance to make the playoffs, but the season derailed not too long after that. Ending up last in the division, the Canucks can look forward to the draft and then go back to being the team that took the Las Vegas Knights to seven games in the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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By the Numbers
Record: 23-29-4
Power Play: 17.42 (25th)
Penalty Kill: 79.78 (17th)
Goals For: 151 (24th)
Goals Against: 188 (26th)
Best Player – Brock Boeser
Boeser was the Canucks best player, leading the team in goals (23) and points (49). He seemed close to being where he was in his rookie season in terms of scoring, which had dipped due to the back injury he suffered near the end of that season. However, Boeser stepped up when needed and was able to do it all while missing his star center Elias Pettersson for 30 games. He showed improvement in his two-way game, and if he continues on this path, he might be the best player next season while breaking the 30 goal mark.
Biggest Disappointment – Defense
It’s been at times great, other times not so great, in other words… inconsistent. The defense might have been looked at with more disfavor, but they have goalie Thatcher Demko to thank for bailing them out on many occasions. They were making too many careless mistakes, which in turn allowed opposing teams to score on them. Not only did the goalie have to work harder, but that also put more pressure on the offense to score. It was a disaster waiting to happen, and ending up last in the division was the consequence.
Behind the Bench Analysis
Travis Green has been the coach for four seasons now and only made the post-season one time, which was the 2019-2020 season. However, the front office has faith in him, as evidenced by the two-year extension he signed with the franchise. It was understandable that it was difficult with so many players and staff not available due to the pandemic; however, it doesn’t absolve the coaches from bad decisions and poor planning.
Front Office Analysis
Jim Benning wants the Canucks to win a Stanley Cup, but at times it seems it’s a wish doomed to be a velleity. Who knows if there’s any substance to the rumor that Nate Schmidt wants to get out of Vancouver. He was a big acquisition for Benning before the 2020-2021 season started. It’s not a good look, and if you combine it with the poor showing in the division, one might wonder what else is going on.
2021 NHL Entry Draft Picks
The Canucks have seven draft picks overall. Their third and fourth-round picks were traded away to the Dallas Stars (Jason Dickinson) and the Chicago Blackhawks (Madison Bowey). They have two fifth-round picks, in which one was acquired in the Bowey trade. The Canucks have seemed to do better in later rounds, so fans are hoping this season is no different.
Offseason Checklist & Prognosis for 2021-2022
It may not be a matter of drafting well or getting players in free agency if the coaching staff can’t solve the problems of defense and special teams. If they can shore up the defense, then this upcoming season might be better than the one they probably want to forget. The work has just begun, but if their needs can be addressed in the offseason, then it’s likely the Canucks will make the playoffs again.
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