Thoughts from Day 1 of training camp – part 2

Sorry for having to split this post up, but here are pictures and thoughts from Group 2 from Day 1 of Canucks training camp:

• Plain and simple, Daren Machesney was outclassed.
• Mason Raymond was probably the most pleasant surprise of the day. He looked bigger and more confident. He made some nice plays and nice reads, and for the most part, it looked like he’s learned not to hang on to the puck too long.
• Because there were more veterans in this group, it was more interesting to note the line combinations. Raymond, Ryan Kesler and Mark Parrish were together. As were the Sedins and Samuelsson.
• Mark Parrish still has his shot. I’m not sure if he still has the rest of his game.
• Ryan Kesler blasted a couple of shots from the point. If he can add that ot his arsenal and bring it on a regular basis, I’d feel better about the Canucks’ second line.
• If Mike Gillis is serious about wanting to create more offense from the defense, Christian Ehrhoff will be a welcome addition. He’s quick and can move the puck pretty darn good. That said, the knock on Ehrhoff has always been his defensive positioning so we’ll see about that as camp goes on.
• Steve Bernier is leaner, but his shot is still the same (i.e. he still has a knack for finding the goalie’s chest).
• I followed Kevin Connauton quite a bit. He looked winded and was often overwhelmed by the vets. It’s obvious that he has some adapting and learning to do, but I get the feeling he’ll be alright in a couple of years.

PS. Photo credit to my brother Jamey again.