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Vancouver enters tonight’s game trailing in the standings to the first place Leaf’s who are looking at turning things around in this contest leaving the west coast with a split in game action.

The key for this game for the Leaf’s was a change in goal putting Anderson in while Vancouver chose to stick with Demko who made 37 saves (11-15-2) who managed to win back to back games since January 25th to 30th.

Leaf’s Anderson (18-6-2) was forced to make 27 saves for the Leaf’s who dropped two straight in regulation time this season.

As one might expect, all the skeptics ponder the thought of sticking with Demko, but it’s fair to say that he’s the future Canuck number one tender, at least until the revolving door keeps turning.

For only the second consecutive game this season on home ice the Canucks have been without the services of young injured star forward centre Elias Pettersson.

Having said that it’s time for others on the roster to set up and answer the call regardless of what line they happen to be on the first line or fourth.

Pressure is placed on Canuck Captain Bo Horvat who has played 28 games with a record of 11 goals and 9 assists currently sitting at a minus five, while Boeser leads the team with 13 goals and 15 assists through 28 games.

Watching any game you can sense the frustration level of the players having missed various chances, missing passes or shots on goal that only puts added pressure on everyone else.

After watching various players the net shooting high or wide its fair to realize that they have clearly missed the boat by not attending the Ron Johnson’s Elite Hockey Shooters clinic based out of Planet Ice in Delta.

Think what you will but Ron has helped various NHL players such as Dallas Star forward Joe Pavelski and retired Canucks Ryan Kesler.

Anyone who watches any Canuck player shoot the puck you find yourself asking how did they miss the net with a clear shot with no one to beat except the goalie which is an honest question.

Call me prejudiced but having worked with and done shooting shows with Ron for Eastlink TV watching how he interacts with his students is something to watch, but apparently this part of the game must be fine, but how I simply don’t know?

They have the talent but regardless if they miss the net or not many wonder if there is an internal issue facing the team or is it just the wrong chemistry in the roster, but it seems every season it’s the same question over and over.

The recent two game home stand against first place Leaf’s who came to town who hammered the Oilers the prior night some were wondering if they were clearly over confident entering both games.

Many thought the first game was a lucky win for Vancouver but when they managed to keep the pressure on Toronto maybe they are turning a new leaf.

Regardless the one that stepped up among others was Miller who of recent has been one of the more frustrated players which seemed to show to many Canuck fans.

Miller seems to have embraced the pressure of stepping up while being the man in the middle seems to have him take control of various situations when needed.

Saturday’s game saw Miller step up grabbing a three point night with a goal and two assists also getting the game winning third goal rallying Vancouver to another win.

Vancouver’s home stand continues with a pair of games against Montreal on Monday and Wednesday followed by a contest with the Oilers Saturday, March 13th.

Vancouver was 2 for 2 on the PP and 1 for 1 on the PK.

Three Stars:

1st  Brock Boeser   (Vancouver)

2nd Bo Horvat        (Vancouver)

3rd TJ Miller          (Vancouver)

 

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