Canucks Quarter Season Report Card

With the 2008-2009 NHL Season a quarter of the way through, so far the Canucks season has been a great success. With a record of 14-6-2, Vancouver is 1st place in the Northwest Division. They have not lost a regulation game in their last 10, and have been playing elite hockey.

Their last win was against the defending Stanley Cup Champion the Detroit Redwings on Monday. Backup goaltender Curtis Sanford, filling in for the injured Roberto Luongo, did an admirable job and led the way towards a 3-2 overtime victory. Vancouver battled hard with Detroit, who had come into town having won five in a row. It was an impressive outing to say the least.

The previous Saturday, Vancouver went into Pittsburgh and beat the Stanley Cup runner-ups 3-1. Although they did win the game, Captain Roberto Luongo left the game early in the first period with what is being called a groin injury. His status is week-to-week. Sanford was asked to come in cold and continue the game, and he did a splendid job.

It would be tough to argue that the Canucks have been impressive this season at both ends of the ice. There is always room for improvement, but I doubt many fans are disappointed with the start to the season so far.

While there are definitely going to be some challenges in the near future to continue getting wins without captain Luongo, it’s also a great opportunity for the team. It’s a chance for the Canucks to show the hockey world that there’s more to the team than just the man between the pipes. If their first game without Luongo was any indication, the team is up for the challenge.

Tonight, the Vancouver Canucks will play the Calgary Flames at the Garage. It’s the start of a home and home set with the men from Cowtown. They’ll meet again on Saturday night in Calgary.