Vancouver Canucks: Third-Quarter Report Cards, Full Team

Instead of three separate report cards and articles about the Vancouver Canucks ‘top-6’, ‘bottom-6’, and ‘D-men’, or a single 3,500 word dissertation about the entire group, here’s the quickie, way-more-fun version. There’s a small curve based on the players’ natural abilities and expectations.

At the time of the first-quarter report the Vancouver Canucks were in last place in the NHL’s Pacific Division with a record of 6-13-and-2. At the time of the mid-term report they were in 7th place with a record of 20-20-and-6. Now they’re in 5th place in the Pacific with a record of 30-26-and-8 and we’re a little bit tardy with this.

Elias Pettersson – Quarter season grade, C-minus – Midterm grade B – Grade today – B-plus

Some question his durability because of the recent injury flare up, but I’d think he’d prefer to play through it rather than have to answer questions. He’s an elite player who works his butt off and has great possession numbers. Too many of his shots miss the net.

JT Miller – Quarter season grade, B-plus – Midterm grade A-minus – Grade today – A-minus

Literally the only reason the Canucks leading scorer isn’t getting a straight up ‘A’ is because of those ‘pissy’ moments when he commits a bizarre turnover out of frustration or takes a neutral zone penalty. But you know what, even those are on the decrease. Does everything.

Brock Boeser – Quarter season grade, C-minus – Midterm grade – B – Grade today – B-minus

The 24-year-old sniper has dropped off again with three goals in his last 14 games. Not the time of year to be absent. Might have had ‘trade deadline on the brain’. We’ll find out Wednesday night. I’m usually harder on wingers because their job is easier so this grade is very kind.

Bo Horvat – Quarter season grade B, – Midterm grade, B-plus – Grade today – B-plus

He’s had a productive quarter offensively and most of the time displays great work ethic. Not sure what he had for breakfast the morning of the most recent Calgary game but he should never have it again.

Conor Garland – Quarter season grade B+ – Midterm grade – B – Grade today – B-plus

Forget adding an animal name to it, let’s just call him “Circus”, he’s that entertaining. He’s an invaluable pest. He’s taken 22 minutes in penalties and drawn a whopping 56 from opponents. Scoring is off but positive impact felt in other areas.

Tanner Pearson – Quarter season grade C-minus – Midterm grade – B-minus – Grade today B

The poster boy for the team over the last three games, pointless after being on a very solid run during this quarter. Time to put the trolley back on the tracks.

Nils Höglander – Quarter season grade B-minus – Midterm grade, C-plus – Grade today C

He hasn’t figured it out yet, but he’s young and given his quickness and skill, (when he’s not around the net), it’s obviously worth exhibiting patience. Groin or whatever has knocked him out of the line-up. The weird thing is, the Canucks have played like %$#@? these last three games while he’s been out.

Vasily Podkolzin – First quarter grade, B – midterm grade, C-plus – Grade today C

Meh. Shoulder shrug. Pointless in seven.

Alex Chiasson – First quarter grade, C – midterm grade, C-plus – Grade today D-plus

Yeah, I don’t get it. Forget points, doesn’t even have a shot in five of his last six games.

Jason Dickinson – First quarter grade, C-minus – midterm grade, C – Grade today Absent

His parents took him to Disney World and then the family decided to stay with the grandparents in Florida. Missed this marking period.

Justin Dowling – First quarter grade, B-minus – midterm grade, B-minus – Grade today Absent

Ditto. Except his grandpa has more money so his family is in the Caribbean.

Tyler Motte – First quarter grade B – midterm grade, B-plus – Grade today B-plus

Moved to a different school district.

Matthew Highmore – First quarter grade, incomplete – midterm grade, C-Plus – Grade today B-minus

Effective and affordable in this time and place.

Juho Lammikko – First quarter grade, D-plus – midterm grade, C-Plus – Grade today B

Clearly the most improved forward on the club with his overall impact. On average, he’ll score a big goal about every eight games.

Quinn Hughes – Grade at the quarter-pole, B-minus – midterm grade, A-minus. – Grade today A-minus

Just watch him. His ice time and his numbers translate. Minutes are always the clearest indication. His possession numbers are remarkable compared to his blueline classmates.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Grade at the quarter-pole, B – midterm grade, B-minus. Grade today B-minus

Has he worn down a bit? I mean he is 30! Ha, ha, that’s funny isn’t it? Not as noticeable this quarter. Pointless and a minus-5 over his last seven games.

Tyler Myers – Grade at the quarter-pole, C – midterm grade, B. Grade now B

Still the most improved D-man for the Vancouver Canucks on the season. Yes overpaid, but effectively eating up some ice time. Scored his first and only goal since May 18th this quarter.

Travis Hamonic – Grade at the quarter-pole, Incomplete – midterm grade, Incomplete. Grade now C-plus 

Apparently “Hammer” was stuck in detention and now he’s been transferred. While active, was inconsistent but did bring some snarl, which is rare for this club.

Tucker Poolman – Grade at the quarter-pole, C-minus – midterm grade, B-minus. Grade now Absent

Tough deal. Last action was in the 1st period at Winnipeg on January 27th. Illness/headaches would be one way to describe it apparently.

Luke Schenn – Grade at the quarter-pole, B – midterm grade, A-minus. Grade now A-minus

Hell yes. Speaking of snarl, the main man in that department and the only guy who truly intimidates. Leads by example. We overlook his shortcomings because we’re aware of his limitations and so is he. Knows his role and executes it.

Kyle Burroughs – Grade at the quarter-pole, B – Grade now, incomplete. Grade now Absent

Snarl ‘junior’. Brings it. Will be fun to have him back. He was improving and he’s not afraid.

Brad Hunt – Grade at the quarter pole, C – Grade now, C-plus. Grade now, B

Yeah, that’s right, ‘Huntsy’s’ been bringing it. The happiest man in hockey had a four-game point streak this quarter. Way more comfortable in his game which simply comes from getting consistent ice time.

Thatcher Demko – First time we’re grading the goalies. A-minus

Spends a lot of time saving the Vancouver Canucks bacon, but hasn’t had to quite as much this past quarter. Still the team MVP.

Jaroslav Halak – First time we’re grading the goalies. Incomplete

Tough spot. Not gonna beat him up here, he’s truly a victim of circumstances.