Canucks' "Lotto Line" Causing Problems For Opponents & News and Rumours
Also, the Canucks show up in the latest update of the top 5 defence rankings, we look back at one of their worst drafts ever, and more!
Welcome to the THW Vancouver Canucks Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Canucks writers.
In today’s edition, we have the ‘Lotto Line’ wreaking havoc on opponents, the latest news & rumours coming out of Vancouver, revisiting one of the worst drafts ever, the Canucks’ defence corps getting some love, and more.
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Canucks’ “Lotto Line” Already Causing Problems for Opponents
January 10, 2024 by Scott Clarke
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet – never afraid of switching up his lines – reopened a chapter of Canucks nostalgia by reuniting the former “Lotto Line” (consisting of Elias Pettersson, J.T. Miller, and Brock Boeser) before their game against the New Jersey Devils on Jan. 6. Since then, the trio looks even better than they ever did in 2019-20, leading the Canucks to a three-game win streak.
Canucks News & Rumors: Guentzel, Pettersson, Kuzmenko & More
January 9, 2024 by Sartaaj Bhullar
In this edition of the Vancouver Canucks News & Rumors, the organization has multiple trade targets before the deadline, headlined by Pittsburgh Penguins forward Jake Guentzel. Additionally, an update on Elias Pettersson‘s contract as the Toronto Maple Leafs extend William Nylander. Also, NHL teams have an interest in Andrei Kuzmenko.
NHL’s Top 5 Defenses – Midseason Update
January 10, 2024 by Eugene Helfrick
Defense wins championships. It’s a saying as old as hockey itself, but there is truth to this wisdom. A stout defense can both limit the opponent’s scoring chances while placing additional pressure on them in the offensive zone. When a defense is playing near perfection, it also helps ease some of the burdens on both the goaltender and forwards, which can turn the tide of a game or a playoff series.
It’s not easy to build an elite defense, of course. It can take years of drafting and developing defensemen before they eventually reach their full potential. Even then a team will still need to dip into free agency and the trade market to get enough talent to build a core of players capable of winning the Stanley Cup.
For the best defensive units in the NHL, it took years to assemble this talented core. However, these teams are now reaping the rewards of their hard work. There’s a reason many of these franchises are considered Stanley Cup contenders in 2024: their defenses are simply outstanding.
Canucks’ 2011 Draft Remains Worst in Franchise History
January 9, 2024 by Adam Kierszenblat
Ten years ago, the Vancouver Canucks drafted what some consider the worst class in franchise history. The 2011 NHL Entry Draft saw the team make eight selections, resulting in a total of 74 regular season games played with the franchise. Here is who the Canucks drafted, how their careers ended up and who they could have drafted instead.