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Preseason Recap
The Canucks came into the preseason with their roster a little bit more set than last year, but there was still a lot competition on the lower end of the roster, and plenty players sought to make a lasting impression for the future at least.
Between the pipes, Eddie Lack has earned the backup role to Jacob Markstrom, in spite of good performances from both Reto Berra and Andrew Hammond. The Canucks should have a good tandem in the AHL this year. Jacob Markstrom, fresh off signing a big extension that kicks in next year, looks to prove that he can be the guy after platooning with Cory Schneider last year with tremendous success.
On the blueline, the only drama as far as the seven guys to make the roster was Henrik Tommernes making a case for himself, but he couldn't win out over either Cumiskey or RUndblad as the 6th or 7th defenseman. The big story was ninth overall pick Shea Theodore sticking with the team almost all preseason, getting into four games, and looking very comfortable overall. While he made a great impression, management elected to give him another season in junior.
Up front, the top six looks the same, however to start the year Jon Marchessault looks like he will get an extended audition with the twins, while Alex Burrows reunites with Ryan Kesler on the second line, which looks to be an aggressive, speedy checking line. One of the surprises this year was Cory Conacher, signed for minor league depth, making the team and being pencilled in beside free agent signing Bozak and Damien Brunner (who we haven't seen much after missing most of the preseason with an injury sustained in the first preseason game). The diminutive forward has an accurate shot and lots of energy and impressed coach Trevor Linden all training camp and preseason. Sergei Shirokov and Enver Lisin both had underwhelming preseasons after making the team due to outstanding preseasons the year previous. They will both slot into the opening day lineup all the same. Sergei Shirokov especially has seen a bit of a demotion, surprisingly after producing at almost half a point per game last season. Rumours are that he and the Canucks have made little progress in talks about an extension after this year. While Patrick Thoresen didn't do enough to keep his roster spot, he is replaced by another Patrik, Zackrisson, who after a decent minor league campaign last season played well enough this preseason to take the fourth line center job from Joey Tenute, who was also sent down to the minors. Other notables included recently signed prospect Nicklas Jensen looking very good at times, but very sloppy at other times, and management is excited about his potential even though he will be starting in the minors. Sergei Kalinin and Riley Nash both were unimpressive and will have to earn their way to the big club by performing in the minors. Anton Rodin will start back in Utica after a cup of coffee in the playoffs with the Canucks last season. Some had higher hopes for his continued development.
The Canucks are again being forecast to have a down year. Whether it's questions about Markstrom's ability to carry the full time load, the continued decline of their core players, or just the perceived lack of improvement relative to other teams, the team the made the Conference finals last season is being talked about as a fringe playoff team in the media. One outlet's preseason power rankings had them at #19 in the league!? Will they prove the doubters wrong yet again?
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