Thoughts On Canucks Loss To Flyers

There is a lot of talk about the play of the Vancouver Canucks defence after their 3-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers. There is lots to blame. Giveaways, poor positioning, and puck watching are themes of the Canucks defence. However, the forwards need to support the defence.  Nine of the 13 giveaways last night were from forwards.

When the defence jumps in the offence, there isn’t support from the forwards backing them up.  It’s a tough way to play defence and goal, for that matter.

Lack of home wins and performance

Yes, it’s a rebuild. But the paying customer has a right to expect more than six shots and two high-danger chances in the first period. Especially on a team that played on a back-to-back. The Canucks did have 13 shots on goal in the third. At least there was an entertaining 3rd period.. Most of the home games have been solidly entertaining. However, this one was closer to the 5-2 loss to Detroit than the 4-1 win over Calgary. Not as bad. But close.

Mistakes happen, but progress for the Canucks is important

In my previous post, I talked about how the results don’t matter. But will there be progress? Manny Malhotra hopes so. 

A positive? Lekkerimaki

Malhotra also said that Jonathan Lekkerimaki was much better. Malhotra complimented Lekkermaki for taking feedback and improving his play. He played 18:59, scored a goal, and had two shots.

Michkov had a heated exchange with Seeler

Your Flyers and hockey feed is probably filled with the above footage. Matvei Michkov getting into it with defenceman Nick Seeler. Porter Martone appears to be attempting to diffuse the situation.  There is already lots of drama surrounding Michkov and his relationship with Rick Tocchet. This will not help. In addition to this, Dave Tomlinson commented on how many times the Flyers bench slammed the bench door coming off the ice. That’s a well-known Tocchet no-no. Check out the insights of Bill Meltzer for the latest on the Flyers.

Condolences to Dan Murphy

Condolences to  Canucks reporter Dan Murphy. David Amber and John Shorthouse announced that Murphy was not on the broadcast last night due to the passing of his father. Prayers to his friends and family.