Vancouver Canucks Week 15 Preview: Schneider and Luongo Return

The Vancouver Canucks will face both of their former franchise goalies this week, as the Devils and Panthers come to town, with the Predators in between.

The Vancouver Canucks played only two games last week.

Although they lost both, they managed to get both to overtime, so they earn two points on the road. But their road record remains dismal: they’ve only won five out of 21 road games this season.

At home, they are a different team. Their 15-6-1 record at Rogers Arena rivals some of the best teams in the league. Vancouver’s home record is better than those of the Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks, all of whom are well ahead of them in the standings.

Luckily, the Canucks will be at home for all three of their games this week. Still, we are halfway through the season and the trend of being great at home and awful on the road persists. It’s too late to dismiss it as “just one of those things.” Why do the Canucks struggle so much on the road?

Struggles on the road, struggles on the power play

One reason is the power play. It’s been a big weakness all season — 27th in the league at 13.7-percent. But at home it clicks at 16.9-percent (20th), compared to just 10.3-percent on the road.

In both games last week, the power play lost Vancouver a point. Tuesday against the Nashville Predators, they surrendered a shorthanded goal with two seconds left in overtime.

Against the Philadelphia Flyers, they did score a power play goal, plus another that came seconds after a penalty had expired. Still, the Flyers took two straight double minors early in the game, but with nearly eight minutes of power play time Vancouver could only scrape together a 1-0 lead.

Right now the Canucks’ power play is predictable, lacks any urgency or killer instinct, and often surrenders more goals than it scores.

Unfortunately, if you were hoping for a major shakeup with the man advantage, you will be disappointed:

An error occurred while retrieving the Tweet. It might have been deleted.

Same personnel, except Alexander Edler and Troy Stecher have switched units once again.

PSA: #Canucks PP units do not include anyone named Rodin, although he is part of PK
Same units that essentially cashed in twice in Philly

— Jon Abbott (@HockeyAbbs) January 14, 2017

Anton Rodin may finally draw back into the lineup — maybe even into the part of the lineup that gets to play, and not just sit on the bench. But for now, the Swedish Elite League’s reigning MVP will not get a chance to improve the Canucks’ ailing power play.

Sunday, Jan. 15: Canucks vs. New Jersey Devils

Judging only by this season’s results, the trade which sent Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils looks like a big win for Vancouver.

This season, Schneider’s save percentage is .909 — well below league average (.914) and far below his own career average (.923).

Meanwhile, Bo Horvat is leading the Canucks in goals and points. He is on pace for 24 goals, 32 assists, for 56 points. Believe it or not, but those numbers have Horvat flirting with first line level production.

So, judging only by this season Vancouver traded away a subpar goaltender for a first line center. Well done, Mike Gillis!

OK, to be fair this is painting the trade in the best possible light. Horvat is having his career best season, while Schneider is having his worst.

Still, the more time passes the better the trade looks. Giving away an elite goaltender for a ninth-overall pick was a stretch. But Horvat has made a habit of constantly exceeding expectations.

The Vancouver Canucks may not have outright won the trade. But this year may could mark the first time in a decade that someone other than Henrik Sedin or Daniel Sedin has led the team in scoring.

Horvat is the one making that happen. And he appears to be taking his line mate Sven Baertschi with him. With another elite goalie prospect in the pipes, few in Vancouver are complaining about trading away Schneider these days.

Predictions

Alex Hoegler:

New JerseyDevils2

Both teams are sliding a bit, but it’s hard to go against a team that’s surprisingly dominant at home.

Janik Beichler:

New JerseyDevils1

If the Canucks want to stay anywhere near the playoff spots, this is a must-win game. Yet, it will be close and might even go into overtime. Baertschi with the game-winner.

Gerald Morton:

New JerseyDevils3

I know we’re supposed to be on board with the Horvat/Schneider thing now. But — how do I put this — NOOOOO. A franchise calibre goalie is worth more than a second line center. I don’t care how terrible the Devils are. As such, the Canucks continue to lose to their former goalies.

Jeff Godley:

New JerseyDevils3

Both these teams are in the bottom-10 in scoring. So, naturally, they will combine for seven goals in this game.

Tuesday, Jan. 17: Canucks vs. Nashville Predators

Speaking of first-line center production, Ryan Johansen leads the Nashville Predators with 30 points in 43 games.

It’s worth mentioning, because he is tied in points with Horvat. Yet, most consider Johansen an undisputed number one center, whereas most people struggle to believe Horvat can attain first line status.

Johansen scored 63 points in his third season as a pro. Horvat is on pace for a similar number. Time will tell exactly what Horvat’s ceiling is, but calling him a first line center is becoming less and less of a reach.