Record: 28-18-2, 58 pts Conference Rank: 8th Division Rank: 2nd Top Scorer: Henrik Sedin (20 goals, 44 assists, 64 points) Top Goalie: Roberto Luongo (23 wins, 2.30 GAA) Midseason Grade: B+
Any other team that lost a leading goal scorer and a top goalie to injury in the same season would likely be much worse off than the Canucks are right now. But this team has shown a ton of resilience and has battled through injuries to Daniel Sedin and Roberto Luongo to remain right in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. They currently sit just 2 points out of first in the Northwest Division.
When his twin brother Daniel was injured for an extended period of time, it was thought that Henrik’s effectiveness would drastically diminish, seeing as how he was always the playmaker of the two, and “needed” Daniel to finish. However, Henrik has stepped up admirably, and is now among the league leaders in points, and is having no trouble putting the puck in the net on his own. With Daniel back in full force, the Sedin twins are nightmares for any team to cover on any night.
In net, Luongo is making his case for consideration as the best goalie in all of hockey right now. While no one will hold that title until Martin Brodeur retires, Luongo is certainly one of the contenders. He has allowed less than 90 goals on over 1100 shots, and is a big reason the Canucks are always competitive in the West. Helping him out in his own end is a very solid defensive corps. Willie Mitchell (+13),.Sami Salo (+16) and Christian Ehrhoff (+19) are all having great years, and give the Canucks’ offense all the support they need on any given night.
This is a very complete Canucks team that can skate with the best of them. Luongo is the type of goalie that can simply deny opposing teams the ability to score, and in the playoffs, sometimes all you need is a great goalie. Vancouver has that, and plenty more to go with it. Don’t think you’ll be able to find anyone excited to play them in the first round of the postseason.