Vancouver Canucks Preview | 
| Last Season | |
| Record | 45-27-10 |
| Points | 100 |
| Conference | 3rd |
| League | 7th |
| Offense | 2.96 GPG (11th) |
| Defence | 2.60 GAA (7th) |
| Power Play | 18.8% (17th) |
| Penalty Kill | 81.4% (16th) |
| Points leader | Dan/Henrik Sedin – 82 |
| Goals | Daniel Sedin – 31 |
| Team Facts | |
| GM | Mike Gillis |
| Coach | Alain Vigneault |
| Arena | GM Place |
| Capacity | 18,630 |
| 08/09 attendance | 18,360 (8th) |
| AHL Affiliate | Manitoba |
Departures
Mattias Ohlund, Taylor Pyatt, Mats Sundin, Rob Davidson, Ossi Vaananen, Jason LaBarbera
Arrivals
Mikael Samuelsson, Christian Ehrhoff, Mathieu Schneider
Forwards
Low expectations going into last season have now been replaced with high expectations for this season. The Canucks improved on forward with the addition of Samuelsson from the Red Wings. Early indications suggest that he will flank Ryan Kesler with Pavol Demitra on the other wing. Henrik and Daniel Sedin finally showed their critics that they could make the second round of the playoffs. They will be counted on again this season to help lead the Canucks in scoring. Alex Burrows should be once again on the top line with the twins, as he looks to continue his success from his breakout year last season. 2008 NHL Draft Pick Cody Hodgson should make the squad this year barring any injury, and could realistically chip in with 40-50 points.
Defenseman
Losing one of their top defenceman in Mattias Ohlund should have a slight impact on last season’s seventh ranked defensive team. Even though they acquired both Ehrhoff and Schneider in the off-season, neither can match Ohlund’s play in both ends of the ice. Willie Mitchell and Sami Salo will once again take the brunt of the load on the team’s top pairing. Tough guy Kevin Bieksa will either play with Ehrhoff on the second unit or with Schneider on the third. Bieksa is a solid shut down defenceman, and if last season’s playoffs were any indication, he’s only getting better.
Goalies
The ONLY worry in Van-City is if Roberto Luongo gets injured. Either than that, the Canucks have one of, if not the best goaltenders in the entire NHL. Luongo should have another solid season, as he’s auditioning to take Martin Brodeur’s starting spot on this year’s Canadian Olympic team. If the unthinkable happens and Luongo goes down, Raycroft will be thrown into the fire…which should be an absolute nightmare for Canucks fans. Cory Schneider is still waiting in the wings, and if Raycroft falters, he will be given a chance to run with the starting job.
Strengths
- The twins have consistently put up points, and this season should be no different. They make players that play with them better. Just ask Burrows last season.
- Scoring depth. As this team proved last season, any of the top three lines can score. With Wellwood back in shape, and some young kids potentially getting the chance to crank the lineup, this season should be no different.
- Roberto Luongo. Not much has to be said here. Bobby Lu can flat out steal you a game if needed. The Canucks are a favourite because he’s in goal.
Weaknesses
- Adding Ehrhoff and Schneider on the backend helps a bit with the loss of Ohlund. However, a 17th ranked power play last season might not see much improvement.
- If Luongo gets hurt, it could be a long season in Vancouver. Raycroft has proven that he can’t hold down a number one spot; and Cory Schneider is raw and could need to maturation time before he’s a legit number one.
Analysis
The Canucks will be a force in the Western Conference again, challenging the Red Wings and Sharks for the top spots. With a balanced attack, a solid defence, and an all-world goaltender, they should be a lock to win their division. The only thing slowing them down is the high amount of expectation this season compared to last. Some of the guys are young, and could go through a bit of growing pains this season. Even if they do however, they will make the playoffs.
Prediction: 3rd in the West
Topics: 2009-10 NHL Preview, 2009-10 Vancouver Canucks, Alex Burrows, Christian Ehrhoff, Cody Hodgson, Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Kevin Bieksa, Kyle Wellwood, Mathieu Schneider, Mattias Ohlund, NHL, Roberto Luongo, Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
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