Former NHL goalie Martin Biron spoke about the Vancouver Canucks recent struggles and if he still believes in them as true cup contenders.
Former NHL goalie Martin Biron spoke about the Vancouver Canucks recent struggles and if he still believes in them as true cup contenders.
The Canucks have lost six of their last seven games, and their only win was an incredible comeback against the Boston Bruins. While they still sit atop the Western Conference, this recent slide has analysts and fans concerned.
"I was really high on the Canucks for the longest time. All my analytics friends and people around the league said it can not stay that way. There is going to be a curve correction at some point," Biron said on TSN today. "I didn't think it was going to come in February and be so low, so I am still looking at the Canucks and seeing them as one of the top teams in the west, but it has to start moving upwards as opposed to being flat."
Their Canucks have won games while being somewhat of an analytical anomaly this season. Their shooting percentage has been off the charts.
Biron also throws some numbers out.
"When you look at the numbers before the All-Star break, and after they were number one in shooting percentage, they are now 18th after the All-Star break," Biron said. "Elias Pettersson went from 19.7% to 7.7% shooting percentage."
Pettersson's game has slipped a bit, but it could be weighing on him, given everything regarding trade talks and possible extensions. Head coach Rick Tocchet even told the media that Pettersson came to him early in the year and asked him how to tune out the outside noise.
"Thatcher Demko was second in goals saved above expected. He's now 44th in the league in the month of February."
Among goalies who have played 35 games this season, Demko still sits in 3rd place with 17.9 goals saved above expected.
Biron said he feels that this is "rock bottom" for the Canucks. He continued stating that he believes they have the pieces to go on a long playoff run. He explained that the top guys on the team need to get back to playing the elite hockey they did up until this point.
The Canucks get the Anaheim Ducks next, the perfect opponent to get their swagger and elite play back to where it needs to be.
Make sure you bookmark THN's Vancouver Canucks site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
The Stats Behind The Game: Canucks 1, L.A. Kings 5
Abbotsford Canucks Monthly: Canucks Continue Push To The Playoff With An .500 February
Hurricanes & Canucks Had Advanced Talks Regarding Elias Pettersson
Canucks In The Mix For Jake Guentzel; Jim Rutherford Looking Like He Wants To Go All In
Canucks Prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki Scores Sensational Goal In SHL
Former Canucks Defenseman & Trade Target Dealt To Dallas Stars
REPORT: No More Cause For Concern; Canucks Closing In On Long-Term Elias Pettersson Extension
- undefined
