By Adam Schouten
The Canucks have now missed the playoffs for four consecutive years. Four. It is safe to say we have soldiered through the worst of this lackluster series of dismal seasons. With that being said, many fans seem to be led to debate about when the Canucks will actually be playing hockey late into April again.
I believe at this point, there is no question we are all itching to see that trademark blue “Stanley Cup Playoffs” logo draped over the ice at Roger’s Arena, and I believe the time is right. An early dose of playoff experience could work wonders for our developing youngsters. After all, we all know that the pace of regular season and playoff hockey are quite divergent from one another.
I truly think the canucks do have a legitimate shot at it next year. I do. However, if that were to happen, there are a few things that absolutely MUST go according to plan.
First of all, a staple in all successful playoff teams is solid, consistant goaltending. This season, Jacob Markstrom has proven he does have the ability to provide that for this team, but he must continue his stellar play into next season if we want any sort of a shot.
Elias Pettersson dazzled us all in the first half of this season with his unexpectedly heated scoring pace, mind boggling plays, and sneaky dekes. His production began to taper off after December, which is something that can’t happen when he is such a driving force on this team. I don’t think that will be a problem for us next year, as he will be entering the 2019/20 season with experience and a better understanding of the NHL schedule.
So we have a focused Markstrom, and a full season of a Petey magic, Now what? Grit! The game may be evolving into a more skill based battle, but during the playoffs the sport seems to always rediscover it’s roots: fast paced, hard hitting chippy hockey.
We added Antoine Roussel in free agency last summer, and his contribution to the team this year was quite notable. He was great for getting under the other team’s skin, and he was always willing to step in for a teammate, something that had been missing from this group for quite some time. Problem: Rousell is currently out of commission with a long term injury, one that will carry into next season. It is hard to picture him picking up immediately where he left off when he does re-enter the lineup.
Let’s assume Rousell does come out of the gate raring to go. So we have a tough guy. That’s great, but it’s not gonna cut it. Jason Botchford said it best: “We need an army!”. Benning is going to have to get to work and add some pieces this offseason that will bring shelter to our young, skilled core.
There is nothing better than playoff hockey, especially when your team is in the thick of it. Vancouver has been very patient in waiting for the return of the white towels, but there is a good chance the wait isn’t quite over yet. If things go right next season, we do have a shot.
As we have seen so far in this year’s postseason, once you are in, all doors are open and anything is possible. ‘Getting in’ is the key part. Whatever the case, keep holding out hope, Vancouver. We are getting there.
Adam's Take 