Breaking down some of the biggest storylines surrounding the Vancouver Canucks at the midway point of the 2023-24 season.

The Vancouver Canucks have officially hit the mid-season mark of their 2023-24 season, and man, has it been exciting. With a record of 27-11-3, this team has exceeded all expectations set in the preseason and are considered by most as Stanley Cup contenders. With all this in mind, here is a look at some of the biggest storylines from the first half of the season.

Quinn Hughes Takes His Game To The Next Level

In his first season as captain, Quinn Hughes has stepped up massively. Not only is he on pace to surpass 100 points, but his work in the defensive zone has made him one of the most complete defenders in the NHL. Whether it is blocking shots or picking off passes, he has taken his game to the next level and is the favourite to win this year's Norris Trophy. 

An excellent way to show just how dominant Hughes has been this year is by looking at even-strength points. The Canucks captain currently has 34, which is nine more than Filip Hronek, who sits second on the list. He also leads all defencemen in even-strength goals with ten and sits second in both primary and secondary assists with 12 each. His ability to produce at even strength is unmatched by any defender in the league as he continues to pull off feats only a select few, including Bobby Orr, have ever achieved in NHL history. 

J.T. Miller and Elias Pettersson Hot Start

For the first time in franchise history, two Canucks forwards could hit 100 points in the same season. Both J.T. Miller (55) and Elias Pettersson (53) are on their way to the century club thanks to hot starts to the season. Now playing together on "the lotto line," there is no telling how successful they can be as both have their sights on Henrik Sedin's franchise record for points in a season of 112. 

While they have had success playing together, arguably the most impressive accomplishment is that they have had this level of success playing on separate lines all season. Both rank in the top ten for even-strength points, while Miller has the most primary assists in the NHL. It has been a remarkable season for each of them and perfect timing for Pettersson, as he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the year.   

Brock Boeser Bouncing Back In A Massive Way

The best feel-good story of the has to be Brock Boeser. After finishing 2022-23 with 18 goals and a plus/minus rating of minus-20, he has bounced back in a massive way. Already at the 25-goal mark, he is on pace to become just the third Canucks player to ever hit 50 goals in a season, following in the footsteps of Pavel Bure and Alexander Mogilny.

Boeser is an easy player to root for, which is why watching him light up the league is such a fun experience. His chemistry with Miller and Pettersson is undeniable, as he has become a key fixture on both the lotto line and the first unit power play. A fan favourite, his strong start to the campaign may also mean a trip to the All-Star Game for the first time since 2018 when he was named MVP of the event. 

Canucks Getting Contributions From Everyone

One of the most significant differences from the first half of this season compared to 2022-23 is that Vancouver is getting contributions from their entire lineup. This season, the Canucks have 14 players in double digits already, while they only had 10 through the first half of 2022-23. They also have seven players with double-digit goals, which is two more than last season. While Vancouver's top players are still producing at a high rate, they are getting contributions from throughout their lineup, which not only has helped them become the league's top-scoring team, but made them more dangerous from a matchup perspective. 

The Canucks improved depth has also allowed head coach Rick Tocchet to experiment with his lines and still get results. Whether that is moving Pius Suter up and down the lineup or waiting until game 39 before putting the lotto line back together, there is faith that if the top six is struggling, the bottom six can step up and deliver for this team. Depth plays such a crucial role come playoff time, and it looks as though Vancouver may have built one of the deepest teams in the league. 

Thatcher Demko Playing Like A Veznia Finalist

In goal, Thatcher Demko has been remarkable so far in 2023-24. He is already up to 20 wins on the season and is the only goaltender in the NHL with 20+ wins and 3+ shutouts. On pace to set new career bests in save percentage and goals-against average, he could also join Roberto Luongo as the only goaltender in franchise history to eclipse the 40-win mark in a season if he continues racking up the wins the way he has through the first half of the campaign.

Demko's impact can best be shown through analytics. According to MoneyPuck, he sits second in goals saved above expected in all situations with 13.6 as well as wins above replacement with 2.26. While he may not win the Vezina, as Connor Hellebuyck has been incredible this season, he should be a finalist as he showcases that he is one of the best goaltenders in the NHL. 

Rick Tocchet Has Transformed The Canucks Into A Juggernaut 

The way that Tocchet has transformed this team is incredible. It feels like he has everyone on the same page and isn't afraid to scratch highly paid players to send a message. He is a tough but fair coach and one who is ready to do whatever it takes to make this team successful. 

As for his system, it has worked wonders for Vancouver so far this season. While the Canucks do get outshot almost 50% of the time, Vancouver does a great job at limiting high-danger chances and making sure they don't overwork their goaltenders. The current favourite to win this year's Jack Adams trophy, he has played a massive role in the team's early season success. 

Canucks Fans Have Hope For The First Time In A Long Time

Maybe the most important storyline from the first half of the season is how the fanbase has reacted to this start. After years of questions and failed promises of playoff hockey, this team feels like they will not only make the playoffs but could go on a run. Whether it is on the radio, through social media or the fact that Rogers Arena is packed nightly, there is a positive vibe as the Canucks look to build off this magical first half of the season. 

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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