Canucks have led their division since they won the Northwest Division.
VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks are sitting at first in the Pacific Division as they go into the All-Star break, placing a lot higher than this time last year.
The Canucks have exceeded expectations, a pleasant surprise for fans and experts.
James Cybulski with Sportsnet 650 says their improved scoring and goaltending are making a big difference.
“More balanced scoring in the lineup over the last few weeks. Goaltending has been outstanding this year for the Vancouver Canucks. The first time in several years that you’ve seen quality goaltending on a consistent basis since the days of Roberto Luongo,” he explains.
Cybulski says a combination of a stronger team and weaker competition for the Canucks may be contributing to the club’s success.
“Vegas is obviously the team that most people would look at from the roster standpoint and say that is the best team. They’ve obviously underachieved this year. The Calgary Flames, not where they were a season ago. Edmonton, better than anticipated. San Jose, big drop off there and Arizona way better than expected,” he says.
Moving forward into the rest of this season, it’s hard to predict where the Canucks will land. But fans are celebrating now and flying their flags a lot higher.
Quinn Hughes just did that?! pic.twitter.com/7pppCGBpz9
— Vanessa Jang (@vanessajang) January 17, 2020
“With 33 games to go, the team has re-energized this market again. You can see that people are back on board,” says Cybulski.
The Canucks have the next 10 days off while goalie Jacob Markstrom, forward Elias Pettersson, and defenseman Quinn Hughes take part in Sunday’s All-Star game.
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