Well there's been pretty much nothing but negativity and criticism in here (and elsewhere) this season. Nearly everyone preedicted the Canucks to finish last (many suiggesting getting as low as 65 points).
Then theres been the constant criticism of Linden, Benning, and WD, etc.: bad trades, poor depth, questionable drafting, poor management of younger players TOI, dressing/not dressing certain players, etc. Indeed the team did have a rough first 5 or so weeks, including a 9 game losing streak.
However, since their 15 game mark (Nov 11), the nucks have managed to earn the best points % of all the Canadian teams, and 8th best overall. While all games ultimately count in the standings, the 32 game sample since Nov.11 is quite significant, especially when considering the first 15 games are usually a feel out process for most teams to determine which players stick, the line combinations, and the players generally getting the rid of the rust.
1 Columbus 0.781
2 Minnesota 0.750
3 Washington 0.734
4 Pittsburgh 0.694
5 Anaheim 0.667
6 San Jose 0.656
7 Chicago 0.621
8 Carolina 0.609
8 NY Rangers 0.609
8 Vancouver 0.609
11 Calgary 0.606
12 Toronto 0.603
13 Edmonton 0.591
14 Ottawa 0.586
15 Philadelphia 0.581
16 Nashville 0.576
17 Los Angeles 0.567
18 Montreal 0.561
19 NY Islanders 0.552
20 St Louis 0.548
21 Florida 0.529
22 Boston 0.514
23 Buffalo 0.500
24 Dallas 0.484
24 Detroit 0.484
26 Winnipeg 0.469
27 Tampa Bay 0.455
28 New Jersey 0.441
29 Arizona 0.344
30 Colorado 0.250
Coupled with the fact that the Canucks have had the 7th largest cap hit of injured players in the league (and 2nd for D), makes this result even more surprising.
http://nhlinjuryviz.blogspot.ca/2016/10 ... downs.htmlThere's guarantees that their recent success will continue. However, it's clear that perhaps Benning and Linden's goal of making the playoffs, while getting younger and faster, may actually come to fruition.
Yet somehow I'm pretty sure there still be lots of criticism to follow. Go figure.