I’m not sure yet what to make of the Vancouver Canucks’ first 2 games of the 2010/2011 season.
I thought the defense has played well for the most part, but they’ve also given up an average of 37 shots per game with more than a few shots from in close Luongo’s crease.
The defense is more mobile and the Canucks’ transition game seems better, but that hasn’t translated into many quality scoring opportunities. Of the opportunities they did get, they’ve so far found the back of the net just 3 times in the first 2 games combined and all 3 goals were courtesy of the Sedins.
Luongo’s been great – like 72 saves in 74 shots great – and it obviously looks like the Sedins picked things up from where they left off last season, but every other Canuck seem to be feeling their way around new linemates and defensive partners.
This mixed bag of results probably shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, almost half the skaters – 5 forwards and 2 defensemen – who are new to the lineup and it may take some time for these guys to completely gel with each other. In the meantime, however, they’ll have to continue to eke out wins like they did against the Panthers last night.
The games haven’t been pretty, but they’ve been fairly effective. The Canucks haven’t been great, but they’ve taken 3 of the available 4 points.
At the end of the day, I suppose we should be pleased with the results. And I am; but I can’t wait to watch this team when they’re finally clicking at full speed.
More post-game coverage:
- Who is this Roberto guy? And what have you done with our Luongo? (Nucks Misconduct)
- Luongo solid, Daniel Sedin scores two as Canucks down Panthers (Brad Ziemer, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks rely on talent, depth for narrow win over Panthers (Cam Cole, Vancouver Sun)
- Canucks take bite out of feisty Panthers in 2-1 win (Ben Kuzma, Vancouver Province)
- Canucks outshot despite victory over Panthers (Gordon McIntyre, Vancouver Province)
- Luongo holds up otherwise lacklustre Canucks in win over Florida (Tony Gallagher, Vancouver Province)
- Luongo had all the answers (Matthew Sekeres, Globe and Mail)
- Florida Panthers fall against Vancouver Canucks, 2-1 (George Richards, Miami Herald)
- Despite valiant effort Panthers fall again 2-1 to Canucks (Harvey Fialkov, Sun-Sentinel)