Top Five At 30: The Canucks’ Top Five Performers In The Second Half Of January

Welcome back to another instalment of Top Five at 15/30. Last time, we looked at the Vancouver Canucks’ top performers from December 31 to January 15. This time, we’ll be looking at the best performances from players throughout the second half of January. Here are the top five Canucks for January 16 to 30.

Most notable game: January 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers

Points since the 15th: 1G, 3A in 4GP

The past seven games have been big for Tyler Myers in both a good and bad way. The second-half of the month started wildly for him, as he was suspended for three games for cross-checking Oilers defenceman Evan Bouchard during Vancouver’s game against Edmonton on January 18. He made his triumphant return against the St. Louis Blues on January 27, scoring a goal and an assist and racking up 22:58 minutes on ice during the team’s 5–2 victory. While his suspension definitely could have been avoided, he was solid in his first game back and hopes to build on that in the coming games.

Most notable game: January 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers

Points since the 15th: 2G, 1A in 7GP

In the same vein as Myers, Conor Garland created waves in the hockey world after being cross-checked by Oilers captain Connor McDavid. The action resulted in McDavid getting suspended for three games, causing many Oilers fans to lose their minds. Because of this, Garland was public enemy #1 going into Edmonton on January 23. Garland’s efforts to frustrate McDavid into cross-checking him are a reminder of one of his often-underrated skills — drawing penalties. He has drawn an average of 1.37 penalties per 60 this season, putting him above players such as McDavid, David Pastrnak, and teammate Elias Pettersson. In the team’s game against St. Louis, he scored two goals.

Most notable game: January 18 vs. Edmonton Oilers

Points since the 15th: 1G, 4A in 7GP

Yet another January 18 performer, J.T. Miller came into the Saturday night matchup with the Oilers with a different headline surrounding him. Hours before, it was reported that Miller was almost traded to the New York Rangers. The deal ultimately fell through, and Miller ended up putting up a two-assist effort in an impressive all-around effort. After the game, despite headlines swirling about his future being up in the air, he told Vancouver media, “I’m planning on being a Canuck today, tomorrow. Whatever happens, happens. I’m focused on the next game.” True to his word, Miller has been one of the team’s highest points-getters since this statement.

Most notable game: January 23 vs. Edmonton Oilers

Points since the 15th: 1G, 5A in 7GP

A consistent performer against the Oilers, Boeser scored a goal and an assist in his team’s match against Edmonton on January 23. Throughout the rest of the past seven games, he has quietly been collecting assist after assist, bringing his season total to 17. Prior to last night’s 3–1 victory against the Nashville Predators, he’d been riding a five-game assist streak dating back to January 18. Second in scoring on the team with 16 goals, and tied with Garland for third in points with 33, Boeser is still one of the team’s top offensive producers despite his numbers not being the same as last season. As a longtime pillar in the organization, it’d be surprising — and very unpopular — if management decided to move on from him after this season.

Most notable game: January 25 vs. Washington Capitals

Points since the 15th: 5G, 6A in 7GP

The least surprising player on this list, Quinn Hughes has been the Canucks’ top performer this entire season — there isn’t a single doubt about that. Since January 16, he has had two two-goal performances and logged a team-high 181:24 minutes on ice during that span. His goals against the Capitals on January 25 single-handedly won his team the game. The last time he was held without a point was during Vancouver’s 6–1 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on January 14.

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